JP5708833B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a revolving game machine using a game ball that can enjoy a game of a revolving game machine such as a slot machine using a game ball such as a pachinko ball.

A game ball-use spinning machine can be enjoyed by a spinning machine such as a slot machine using a game ball such as a pachinko ball. Specifically, when a player inserts a predetermined number of game balls and operates the start lever, a rotating drum (annular reel) on which a plurality of symbols (a type of identification information) are displayed at predetermined intervals starts to rotate. Then, the variable display of the symbol sequence is started. And if a stop switch is pushed down by a player during rotation of a plurality of spinning cylinders, the spinning cylinder corresponding to the depression stops rotating one by one and stops when all the spinning cylinders stop rotating If the combination of symbols is a win, the payout device pays out the number of game balls corresponding to the win, and a predetermined game value is given to the player (Patent Documents 1 and 2).
In addition, a plurality of (for example, three) throwing units are provided in the game ball-use spinning machine, and the number of gaming balls thrown is counted for each throwing unit. For example, in the insertion unit, an optical passage sensor or the like is provided on a passage through which the inserted game ball passes, and the number of game balls detected by the passage sensor is set as each inserted game ball. Counted for each input unit. Generally, game balls thrown into a game machine using a game ball are not stored in the game machine, but are discharged to the outside as they are and are collected by an island facility in the game hall. Therefore, when paying out (returning) a game ball that has been thrown in at the request of a player or the like, the game ball supplied to the payout device is paid out instead of the game ball that has been thrown in.

JP 2003-305167 A JP 2003-305168 A

  However, in the above-described game ball-use spinning machine, a fraudulent act in which a game ball that is not actually thrown in is thrown in, for example, a fraudulent person is actually thrown in using a fraudulent instrument. There was a possibility that a fraudulent act that erroneously detected a passing ball of a throwing unit and a passing sensor of the throwing unit was erroneously performed. In other words, among the plurality of throwing units, the throwing unit in which this fraud has been performed counts that the game ball has been thrown every time a game ball is erroneously detected by the passage sensor, so it is not actually thrown. It is determined that a game ball has been inserted. Therefore, when a payout request for paying out game balls that are not actually thrown in is made by a fraudulent person, the same number of game balls that have been thrown in as a result of cheating are paid out by the payout device. There was a problem of end.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems and the like, and can suppress the payout of game media in response to a payout request for game media that is not actually inserted, and is excellent in fraud countermeasures. The purpose is to provide a game machine.

In order to achieve this object, the gaming machine according to claim 1 is configured such that a predetermined game can be started when a predetermined number of game media are inserted, and a plurality of the game media are provided. a storage means for storing, and passing path you flowing the game medium communicates within its storage unit, and passes through acceptable prohibiting means that permits or prohibits the passage the game media passes, the passage acceptable prohibiting means Further, an upstream side detection unit that is disposed downstream of the passage and detects the game medium, and a downstream side detection unit that detects the game medium on the downstream side by less than one of the game media than the upstream side detection unit. A first detection means having a means; a second detection means disposed downstream of the first detection means in the passage; and both the upstream detection means and the downstream detection means. Non-detection state in which no game medium is detected, first detection means in which the game medium is detected by the upstream detection means and the game medium is not detected by the downstream detection means, the upstream detection means And the second detection state in which the detection means is detected by both the downstream detection means and the detection means is not detected by the upstream detection means, and the game medium is detected by the downstream detection means. Detection state detection means for detecting which detection state is the third detection means, and detection states detected by the detection state detection means from the non-detection state to the first detection state, the second detection state the state and the third detection state after going through in this order, storage means for storing the game medium which has been introduced as a regular state change the state change as a non-detection state A payout request detecting means for detecting a dispensing request for the closing game media stored in the storage means, when detecting the payout requested by the payout request detection means, the game according to the detection state detecting means a first determine the constant means detecting the state of the medium you determine which one of the detection state, when detecting the payout requested by the payout request detection means, the game media by the second detecting means Second determination means for determining whether the game medium has been detected, and payout execution means for executing payout of the game medium in response to the payout request based on the determination results of the first determination means and the second determination means. The payout executing means determines whether the first detection means is in the non-detection state or the first detection state, and then determines the second detection state and the third detection state. When it is determined that the first permissible state change that becomes the non-detection state after elapses, or the second detection state change that becomes the non-detection state after the third detection state is determined after the second detection state. In the case where it is determined that there has been, or in the case where it is determined that the third detection state has changed to the third detection state and then the non-detection state, and the second determination means. However, if the game medium is detected within a predetermined period after the detection of the game medium by the downstream side detection means and it is determined that the detection has ended, the game medium is paid out in response to the payout request. And when the first determination means determines that the non-detection state, the first allowable state change, the second allowable state change, and the third allowable state change have not occurred, or the second determination Means If the serial downstream detection means according to said game medium detected that did not or the detected within a predetermined period after the detection ends of the game medium is determined to have not ended, the payout of the game media for the payout request you prohibited.

According to claim 1 the gaming machine according because in reality can be suppressed that the game medium is paid out to the payout request of game media that are not turned on, the effect of being able to provide superior gaming machine fraud There is.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a game ball use spinning machine (game machine) and a card unit in a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view of a gaming machine and a card unit. It is a perspective view of a surface change block. It is the perspective view which showed the back surface of the gaming machine. It is the perspective view which separated and showed the front frame provided in the front surface of the game machine main-body part, and a saucer block. It is a disassembled perspective view of a saucer block. It is a top view of the top plate with which the dosing unit was mounted | worn. It is a perspective view of an input unit. It is a disassembled perspective view of a dosing unit. It is sectional drawing which showed the internal structure of the injection | throwing-in unit. It is explanatory drawing of throwing-in operation | movement and discharge | emission operation | movement of a throwing-in apparatus, (a) has illustrated the standby state in which neither throwing-in operation and discharge | emission operation are performed, (b) The execution state of (take-in operation) is illustrated, and (c) illustrates the execution state of the game ball discharge operation. It is sectional drawing which showed an example of the ball | bowl hanging state in a charging device. It is an example of the operation | movement chart for demonstrating the state of the game machine when insertion operation | movement is complete | finished normally. It is an example of the operation | movement chart for demonstrating the state of the game machine when the ball suspension state A generate | occur | produces at the time of throwing-in operation | movement. It is an example of the operation | movement chart for demonstrating the state of the game machine when the ball | bowl hanging state B generate | occur | produces at the time of throwing-in operation | movement. It is an example of the operation | movement chart for demonstrating the state of the game machine when the ball suspension state C generate | occur | produces at the time of throwing-in operation | movement. It is the perspective view which showed the whole payout operation unit. It is a perspective view of a dispensing device. It is a disassembled perspective view of a dispensing device. It is sectional drawing which showed the operation | movement state of the flicker of a payout apparatus and a switching member, (a) has shown the state which the game ball stopped, (b) has shown the state through which a game ball passes a payout channel | path part. (C) has shown the state in which a game ball passes a ball extraction passage part. It is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the gaming machine. It is explanatory drawing of each memory provided in RAM of the main control apparatus, and RAM of the payout control apparatus. It is the flowchart which showed the power-on process of the main controller. It is the flowchart which showed the normal process of the main controller. It is the flowchart which showed the lottery process of the main controller. It is the flowchart which showed the reel control processing of the main controller. It is the flowchart which showed the game ball payout processing of the main controller. It is the flowchart which showed the special game state process of the main controller. It is the flowchart which showed the bonus symbol determination process of the main controller. It is the flowchart which showed the game ball throwing-in process of the main controller. It is the flowchart which showed the throwing number distribution processing of the main control unit. It is the flowchart which showed the execution execution process of the main control unit. It is the flowchart which showed the waiting time fraud determination process of the main control unit. 5 is a flowchart showing fraud determination processing when the main control device is turned on. It is the flowchart which showed the timer interruption process of the main controller. It is the flowchart which showed the process at the time of a power failure of a main controller. It is the flowchart which showed the NMI interruption process of the main control unit. It is the flowchart which showed the sensor monitoring process (modification) of the main controller. It is the flowchart which showed the power-on process of the payout control apparatus. It is the flowchart which showed the game ball payout process of the payout control device. It is the flowchart which showed the payment number distribution process of the payout control device. It is the flowchart which showed the payout execution processing of the payout control device. It is the flowchart which showed the timer interruption process of the payout control device. It is the flowchart which showed the setting process with a ball | bowl of a payout control apparatus. It is the flowchart which showed the external interruption process of the payout control apparatus. It is explanatory drawing of RAM of the main controller in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is the flowchart which showed the normal process A of the main controller. It is the flowchart which showed the centralized input monitoring process of the main controller. It is the flowchart which showed input execution processing A of the main control unit. It is the flowchart which showed the continuous injection | throwing-in monitoring process of the main controller.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a game ball-use spinning machine 1 (hereinafter referred to as “game machine 1”) that uses a game ball as a game medium to play a game will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the gaming machine 1 in the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the gaming machine 1 and the card unit 20, and FIG. 2 is a front view of the gaming machine 1 and the card unit 20. With reference to FIG.1 and FIG.2, the external appearance structure of the game machine 1 is demonstrated. In the present embodiment, the gaming machine 1 is used by being connected to the card unit 20, and within the range of the remaining amount (valuable value) of a card, bill, etc. (rental medium) inserted into the card unit 20, A game ball as a medium is rented, and the player plays a game using the rented game ball.

  The gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment requires the insertion of a predetermined number (for example, “5” or “15”) of game balls (for example, pachinko balls) when playing a game, and a predetermined condition is satisfied. In addition, a plurality of game balls or a large number of game balls depending on the case may be paid out as a game value. The game machine 1 is supplied with game balls from a game ball supply system common to the pachinko machines in a game hall, etc., and the existing island facility (pachinko island) where the pachinko machines are installed, This gaming machine 1 can be installed.

  The gaming machine 1 has an outer frame 2 as a main body frame, and a gaming machine main body portion 3 attached to the outer frame 2 so as to be rotatable forward (see FIG. 4). 3 shows a state in which 3 is rotated with respect to the outer frame 2). The outer frame 2 is configured by connecting wooden plates to four sides, and has a rectangular shape as a whole. When installing the gaming machine 1 in the gaming hall, the outer frame 2 is attached and fixed to the island facility. The outer frame 2 can be made of a metal such as synthetic resin or aluminum.

  A visual recognition window 4 having a substantially trapezoidal shape as a symbol visual recognition portion is formed in the upper half of the front surface of the gaming machine main body 3. A transparent panel 5 made of a flat transparent plate is fitted into the visual recognition window 4, and the inside of the main body 3 can be visually recognized through the transparent panel 5. The transparent panel 5 has two panel parts (an upper panel part 5a and a lower panel part 5b) which are divided vertically and slightly bent. The upper panel portion 5a is disposed in a substantially vertical direction, and the lower panel portion 5b is disposed so as to be inclined slightly upward. The upper panel portion 5a covers the front surface of a liquid crystal display unit 81 (see FIG. 3), which will be described later, and a display image of the liquid crystal display unit 81 is visually recognized through the upper panel portion 5a. The lower panel portion 5b covers the front surface of a reel unit 82 (see FIG. 3) to be described later, and the design of the reel unit 82 is visually recognized through the lower panel portion 5b.

  According to such a relatively large viewing window 4 (transparent panel 5), it is possible to give a great impact to the player by the display effect of the image using the large liquid crystal display unit 81. In addition, the visibility of the symbol of the reel unit 82 which is the main display device of the gaming machine 1 can be improved.

  A central lamp 6 projecting forward from the transparent panel 5 is provided above the viewing window 4. Similarly, a pair of side lamps 7 projecting forward from the transparent panel 5 are provided on both sides of the viewing window 4. Is provided. A speaker 8 is provided above each of the pair of side lamps 7. In the game, the lamps 6 and 7 and the speaker 8 perform lamp effects and sound effects according to the game situation each time. That is, the player is notified of the establishment of a role in the game by appropriately changing the light emission color and light emission pattern by the lamps 6 and 7 or by appropriately changing the sound pattern by the speaker 8. In addition, error notification is performed using the lamps 6 and 7 and the speaker 8.

  Below the viewing window 4, there is provided a long plate-like sub-panel 10 that extends to the left and right. On the right side of the sub-panel 10, an acquired ball number display 11 that displays the number of balls acquired when the small role is established, and a game number display that displays the number of remaining games in a special game state such as a big bonus or a regular bonus. 12 are provided. These are constituted by 7 segment LEDs, but may be replaced by a liquid crystal display or the like.

  On the left side of the sub-panel 10, a ball rental operation unit 13 is provided. The ball lending operation unit 13 is a ball lending operation or a card returning operation in the state where a bill or a card is inserted into a vertically long card unit (ball lending unit) 20 disposed on the left side of the gaming machine 1, for example. The ball lending button 14, the return button 15, and the frequency indicator 16 are arranged in parallel. The ball lending button 14 is a button operated to obtain a lending ball based on information recorded on a card or the like, and the remaining amount is left on the card or the like inserted into the card unit 20 by the operation of the ball lending button 14. As long as it exists, the rented balls are paid out (in this embodiment, the number of lent balls that are lent by one operation of the ball lending button 14 is 25 balls). The return button 15 is a button operated when requesting the return of a card or the like inserted into the card unit 20. The frequency display 16 is a display for displaying remaining amount information such as a card inserted in the card unit 20, and is composed of 7 segment LEDs. The frequency display 16 may be replaced with a liquid crystal display.

  Below the sub-panel 10, there is provided an operation unit 30 provided with various operation members and the like operated by the player. The operation unit 30 is provided with a start lever 31 and stop switches 32, 33, and 34 including triple buttons, and a button-like bet switch 35 is provided at the upper end of the operation unit 30. .

  The bet switch 35 allows the player to set a bet (the number of bets), and a predetermined number of game balls stored in the upper plate 36 are taken in (inserted) by the pushing operation. In this gaming machine 1, a so-called MAX bet switch is provided as the bet switch 35, and 15 game balls equivalent to 3 bets are inserted by an effective one-time pressing operation. When the bet switch 35 is operated (pressed) by a player or the like, a detection signal (ON signal) is output from the bet switch 35 to the main controller 110 described later (see FIG. 21). If a bet switch 35 is operated during the execution of a JAC game, which will be described later, five game balls equivalent to one bet are inserted.

  In addition to the bet switch 35 as the MAX bet switch, a 1-bet switch or a 2-bet switch may be provided. The 1-bet switch is a switch for inserting 5 game balls corresponding to 1 bet by one push operation, and the 2-bet switch is for inserting 10 game balls corresponding to 2 bets by 1 press operation. Switch. During the execution of the JAC game, even if the 2-bet switch is operated, 5 game balls equivalent to 1 bet are inserted.

  The start lever 31 is an operation member for starting rotation of the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R (rotating body) of the reel unit 82 shown in FIG. By operating the start lever 31, the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R start to rotate, and the symbol variable display is started. Note that the start lever 31 may be configured as a button-like switch, like the bet switch 35 and the stop switches 32 to 34.

  The stop switches 32 to 34 are respectively provided corresponding to the three rows 82L, 82M, and 82R of the left, middle, and right, and are operated to individually stop the rotating reels 82L, 82M, and 82R. Is done. When the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R are rotated at a constant speed, they can be stopped by pressing the corresponding stop switches 32-34. During the stoppable state, the lamps provided in the stop switches 32 to 34 are respectively lit and displayed to notify the player that the stop operation is possible. When the rotation of the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R is stopped, the lamps corresponding to the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R are turned off.

  A notch 37 is formed at the lower right of the operation unit 30. The cutout portion 37 is provided with a return lever 38 for returning the game ball on the upper plate 36 or the already inserted game ball to the gaming machine 1 to the lower plate 41. An opening 42 is formed in the bottom of the lower plate 41, and the opening 42 is closed by an opening / closing plate 43. A ball removal lever 44 formed to be slidable in the left-right direction is provided at the lower right of the lower plate 41. By operating the ball removal lever 44 leftward, the opening 42 is opened, and the lower plate The game ball in 41 falls downward and is discharged. By arranging a ball storage box (so-called dollar box) in advance below the lower plate 41, the game balls discharged from the lower plate 41 can be stored in the ball storage box. By releasing the operation of the ball removal lever 44, the lever 44 slides in the right direction, and at the same time, the opening 42 is closed by the opening / closing plate 43. Further, a speaker 45 is disposed in the back of the lower plate 41, and sound output such as sound effects is also performed from this portion.

  Next, the surface changing block 80 will be described with reference to FIG. The face change block 80 is provided with main parts for displaying game contents, and includes a liquid crystal display unit 81 and a reel unit 82, and is disposed in the back of the transparent panel 5 of the viewing window 4. For example, the model replacement can be performed by replacing the surface replacement block 80 with a new model from the current model.

  A liquid crystal display unit 81 is disposed above the surface changing block 80. The liquid crystal display unit 81 is a display device for performing an auxiliary effect of the effect performed by the reel unit 82, and not only during the rotational driving of the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R of the reel unit 82, but also before or after the rotational driving. When stopping after driving, etc., an auxiliary effect is performed according to the gaming state at that time.

  A reel unit 82 is disposed below the surface changing block 80. The reel unit 82 includes a left reel 82L, a middle reel 82M, and a right reel 82R each formed in a cylindrical shape (annular shape). Each of the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R only needs to be configured as at least an endless belt, and is not limited to a cylindrical shape (annular shape). Moreover, you may comprise as a rotating drum, such as a belt and a drum.

  Each of the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R is rotatably supported so that the center axis thereof becomes the rotation axis of the reel. The rotation axes of the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R are arranged on the same axis extending in the substantially horizontal direction, and a part of the surface of each reel 82L, 82M, and 82R is visible through the lower panel portion 5b of the transparent panel 5. It is in a state. When the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R rotate forward, the surfaces of the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R are projected through the lower panel portion 5b as if moving from top to bottom.

  Each of the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R is connected to the stepping motors 91L, 91M, and 91R, and each of the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R is individually, that is, independent, by driving the stepping motors 91L, 91M, and 91R. And is driven to rotate. The stepping motors 91L, 91M, and 91R are set to rotate once by giving, for example, a drive signal of 504 pulses (also referred to as an excitation signal or an excitation pulse; the same applies hereinafter). The stepping motors 91L, 91M are driven by the excitation pulse. , 91R, that is, the rotational positions of the corresponding reels 82L, 82M, 82R are controlled.

  On each belt of each of the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R, a plurality, specifically 21 symbols are drawn in the long side direction (circumferential direction). Therefore, 24 pulses (= 504 pulses ÷ 21 symbols) are required to switch from one symbol to the next symbol at a predetermined position. Then, depending on the number of pulses from when the detection signal (ON signal) is output from the reel index sensor that detects the origin position of each reel 82L, 82M, 82R, which symbol is visible from the lower panel portion 5b. It is possible to perform control for recognizing whether or not an arbitrary symbol is visible from the lower panel portion 5b.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the back side structure of the gaming machine 1 will be described. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the back surface of the gaming machine 1. As shown in FIG. 4, a payout device unit 90, a back cover 91, and board boxes 92 and 93 are mainly provided on the back of the gaming machine 1. Further, inside the back cover 91, the surface changing block 80 (see FIG. 3) including the liquid crystal display unit 81 and the reel unit 82 described above, and the main controller 110 and the display controller 310 (see FIG. 21), respectively. A stored board box (not shown) is provided.

  The payout device unit 90 and the back cover 91 are integrated as a single unit, and are attached to the gaming machine main body 3 with one end side (the starboard side in FIG. 4) as viewed from the back of the gaming machine 1 as a support shaft. It can be opened and closed. In addition, the opening / closing directions of the payout device unit 90 and the back cover 91 are opened / closed to the right when viewed from the back of the gaming machine 1. Further, the payout device unit 90 and the back cover 91 integrated as one unit are configured to be fixable by three lock mechanisms 91a provided in the vertical direction (vertical direction in FIG. 4) of the gaming machine 1, and the lock mechanism When the lock of 91a is released, the dispensing device unit 90, the back cover 91, and the surface changing block 80 are integrally opened and closed. Further, of the three lock mechanisms 91a, two lock mechanisms 91b are provided between the lock mechanism 91a provided at the lower stage and the lock mechanism 91a provided at the middle stage. When the locks of the two lock mechanisms 91 b are released, the dispensing device unit 90 and the back cover 91 are further opened and closed with respect to the surface changing block 80. Therefore, if only the lock mechanism 91b is unlocked while the lock mechanism 91a is locked, only the dispensing device unit 90 and the back cover 91 can be opened and closed.

  The payout device unit 90 is a device that pays out a predetermined number of game balls accompanying a prize ball or a rental ball to the upper plate 36 or the lower plate 41. The dispensing device unit 90 is disposed across the upper part of the back cover 91 (upper side in FIG. 4) and the right side of the back cover 91 (starboard side in FIG. 4) so as to bypass the back cover 91. The payout device unit 90 has a tank 910 serving as a storage means whose upper surface is opened at the upper part of the back cover 91, and a plurality of game balls provided below the tank 910, and is gently inclined toward the downstream side. The tank rail 920 is configured to include a case rail 930 that is connected to the tank rail 920 and vertically disposed on the downstream side, and a dispensing device 940 provided at the most downstream portion of the case rail 930. . A detailed description of the dispensing device unit 90 will be described later.

  The board box 92 is a box in which a payout control device 210 (see FIG. 21) to be described later is housed, and the board box 93 is a box in which a power supply device 120 to be described later is housed. The board boxes 92 and 93 are each formed from a transparent resin material. The board boxes 92 and 93 are integrated as one unit (a payout control unit 55 to be described later, see FIG. 5), and support one end side (the starboard side in FIG. 4) in the lateral direction when viewed from the back of the gaming machine 1. The shaft can be opened and closed with respect to the gaming machine main body 3 as an axis. The board boxes 92 and 93 are fixed by a lock mechanism 92a. By unlocking the lock mechanism 92a, the board box 92 is opened and closed to the right when viewed from the back of the gaming machine 1.

  Next, the tray block 50 will be described mainly with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the front frame 3 a provided on the front surface of the gaming machine main body 3 and the tray block 50 separately, and FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the tray block 50. In FIG. 5, the card unit 20 is omitted. FIG. 7 is a plan view of the upper plate 36 on which the charging unit 52 is mounted. The saucer block 50 temporarily stores game balls that are lent out based on instructions from the card unit 20 and game balls that are awarded and paid out as a result of the game, and stores game balls for starting games in the gaming machine. It is for taking in (input).

  As shown in FIG. 5, an upper plate 36 is provided in front of the tray block 50 to temporarily store the rented or paid out game balls. First, the details of the upper plate 36 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the upper plate 36 is formed in a horizontally long bowl shape, and is surrounded by a bottom plate portion 361 and a peripheral wall portion 362 to form a game ball storage area. A discharge port 363 for discharging the game ball into the upper plate 36 is formed in the wall portion on the far left side of the peripheral wall portion 362. An opening 364 is formed on the right side of the bottom plate portion 361. The game balls stored in the upper plate 36 are taken into the game machine 1 from the opening 364 via the input unit 52 described later, or discharged to the lower plate 41.

  The bottom plate portion 361 is generally configured to be lowered from the discharge port 363 toward the opening 364 (from the left side to the right side in FIG. 7). Specifically, the bottom plate portion 361 is formed in two stages in the front-rear direction, and further, the back region thereof is formed in two stages on the left and right. In this case, in the bottom plate portion 361, the front region R1 is the highest, the back left region R2 is next high, and the back right region R3 is the lowest. Accordingly, the game balls discharged from the discharge port 363 to the upper plate 36 flow to the opening 364 on the downstream side in the order of the regions R2, R1, and R3 or in the order of the regions R2 and R3.

  In the front region R1 of the bottom plate portion 361, a protruding guide portion 365 protruding from the bottom plate portion 361 is formed. Therefore, the game ball that has flowed into the front region R1 is guided to the back right region R3 by coming into contact with the protruding guide portion 365.

  Two partition portions 366 and 367 protrude from the rear right region R3 which is the lowest position of the upper plate 36. The right end of the far right region R3 is partitioned by the two partition portions 366, 367 and is divided into three rows of guide passages 371, 372, 373. Each of the guide passages 371 to 373 communicates with the opening 364, and its width corresponds to one game ball. Therefore, the game balls discharged into the upper plate 36 are lined up on the respective guide paths 371 to 373 in the back right region R3 and are thrown into the throwing unit 52 disposed in the opening 364. Note that the rear right region R3 is formed so as to be inclined with the region R1 side being high and the gaming machine 1 side being low. Therefore, the game ball in the upper plate 36 is configured to be easily guided to the guide passages 371 to 373 along the side surface of the back right region R3 on the gaming machine 1 side.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a cover member 375 is provided above the opening 364 of the upper plate 36 and the guide passages 371 to 373 so as to cover them. The cover member 375 is a member for restricting the size in the height direction of each guide passage 371 to 373 to approximately one game ball. By attaching the cover member 375 to the upper plate 36, each guide passage 371 is provided. The game balls are taken in (inserted) one by one from ˜373 into the insertion unit 52. The cover member 375 is made of a transparent material so that it can be visually confirmed whether or not there is a game ball below it.

  In the lower right front of the upper plate 36, a payout operation transmission device 51 is disposed. The payout operation transmission device 51 slides the return lever 38 to the left to discharge the game balls stored in the upper plate 36 to the lower plate 41 and is inserted into the gaming machine 1 by the input unit 52 described later. The game balls (taken) are discharged to the lower tray 41.

  A ball passage forming body 53 is provided on the back side of the upper plate 36. The ball passage forming body 53, together with the passage cover 53a, discharges the game ball to the outside of the gaming machine 1 (island facility of the game hall), and lower plate discharge for discharging the game ball to the lower plate 41. A passage is formed. The game balls that have passed through the lower tray discharge passage are discharged to the lower tray 41 from the discharge port 53d. Further, a discharge passage 53 e communicating with the discharge port 363 of the upper plate 36 is formed in the upper left part of the ball passage forming body 53 (near the most upstream portion). The game ball that has passed through the discharge passage 53e flows into the upper plate 36 from the discharge port 363 of the upper plate 36.

  A game ball distribution member 53b for distributing and discharging game balls to the external discharge passage, the lower tray discharge passage, and the discharge passage 53e is attached in the vicinity of the discharge passage 53e and on the upper left side of the ball passage forming body 53. It has been. The game ball distribution member 53b is formed with three passages 53b1 to 53b3. When the game ball distribution member 53b is attached to the ball passage formation body 53, the passage 53b1 communicates with the external discharge passage, and the passage 53b2 The game balls passing through the respective passages 53b1 to 53b3 are distributed to the respective passages in communication with the lower dish discharge passage, and the passage 53b3 is in communication with the discharge passage 53e. Further, a horizontally long thin plate-like sheet plate 53 c is attached to the upper part of the ball passage forming body 53. The sheet plate 53 c is attached in a state where the upper plate 36 is mounted on the ball passage forming body 53, and functions as an upper lid on the back side of the upper plate 36.

  A substantially square opening 53f for accommodating a later-described throwing unit 52 is formed at the lower right of the spherical passage forming body 53. In addition, a payout control unit 55 is attached to the back surface of the ball passage forming body 53. The payout control unit 55 is configured by arranging a substrate box 92 and a substrate box 93 side by side and connecting the substrate boxes 92 and 93 with a connector 56.

  Next, the making unit 52 will be described with reference to FIGS. The gaming machine 1 starts a game on the condition that 15 or 5 gaming balls are thrown into the gaming machine 1, and the throwing unit 52 is used for throwing the gaming balls into the gaming machine 1. Is. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the charging unit 52, and FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the charging unit 52. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the charging unit 52. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the charging operation and the discharging operation of the charging device 521a.

  First, as shown in FIG. 8, the charging unit 52 is formed in a substantially cubic shape as a whole by arranging three charging devices 521 a to 521 c in parallel. Side surfaces (left side surfaces when the gaming machine 1 is viewed from the front) of each of the input devices 521a to 521c are coupled by a coupling plate 523. In the upper surfaces of the charging devices 521a to 521c, inlet passages 522a to 522c that are opened upward and exposed to the outside are formed. The entrance passages 522a to 522c serve as entrances for game balls to the insertion unit 52, and the game balls supplied from the guide passages 371 to 373 of the upper plate 36 are first guided to the entrance passages 522a to 522c ( After that, it is taken into (inserted) into the input unit 52.

  Next, with reference to FIG.9 and FIG.10, the structure of each injection | throwing-in apparatus 521a-521c is demonstrated. Since each of the input devices 521a to 521c has a substantially similar configuration, the description will be given by taking one input device 521a as an example.

  The feeding device 521a includes front and back integrated housing members 521a1 and 521a2 made of a synthetic resin molded product, and both housing members 521a1 and 521a2 are coupled by screws or the like to form a substantially square box-shaped housing. In the internal space of the housing, a passage for a game ball, which will be described later, is formed, and an opening / closing gate mechanism for opening and closing the passage is accommodated.

  Passage walls 524a1 and 524a2 are formed on the upper surfaces of the housing members 521a1 and 521a2. By connecting the two housing members 521a1 and 521a2, the above-described inlet passage 522a is provided between the opposing passage walls 524a1 and 524a2. Is formed. The bottom surface of the inlet passage 522a is slightly inclined downward toward the right side of FIG.

  An arcuate recess 525a1 is formed in the front-side passage wall 524a1, and a triangular mountain-shaped protrusion 525a2 is formed in the rear-side passage wall 524a2 at a position facing the recess 525a1. The recess 525a1 and the protrusion 525a2 constitute a rectifying unit for keeping the flow of the game ball constant. When the game ball that flows downstream (rightward in FIG. 10) through the inlet passage 522a reaches the rectifying unit composed of the recess 525a1 and the projection 525a2, it first collides with the projection 525a2, and then hits the inner wall of the recess 525a1. It collides and flows down while changing the flow direction (path). In this way, the course of the game ball is changed by the rectifying portion (the recess 525a1 and the protrusion 525a2) of the inlet passage 522a, so that the momentum of the flow of the game ball is reduced and the subsequent flow speed is reduced. Although the detection of the game ball is performed after passing through the rectifying unit, the false detection can be reduced by reducing the flow velocity. In addition, when a large number of game balls are connected in a daisy chain and inserted into the input device 521a, a passing interval between adjacent game balls can be increased due to a speed difference generated through the rectifying unit. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the problem of erroneously detecting a plurality of game balls as one game ball. In this manner, the detection of the game ball can be ensured by the rectifying unit (the recess 525a1 and the projection 525a2).

  The charging device 521a is provided with a charging channel 526a formed by being surrounded by both housing members 521a1 and 521a2 and a discharge channel 527a on the downstream side of the inlet channel 522a. Similar to the inlet passage 522a, the input passage 526a and the discharge passage 527a have passage widths sufficient to allow the game balls to pass through in a row. The input passage 526a is provided continuously to the inlet passage 522a, and is formed so as to be bent in the vertical direction. When the bet switch 35 is pressed by the player, a total of 15 through the insertion passages 526a through 526c of the respective insertion devices 521a through 521c, and 5 during the normal game (except during the JAC game) A game ball is thrown into (taken in) the gaming machine 1. On the other hand, the discharge passage 527a is formed to branch from the bent portion of the input passage 526a from the input passage 526a. At the time of payment accompanying the end of the game, the game balls remaining in the present insertion devices 521a to 521c and the upper plate 36 are discharged to the lower plate 41 through the discharge passages 527a to 527c and returned to the player.

  The housing members 521a1 and 521a2 have different dimensions in the thickness direction, and most of the inlet passage 522a, the input passage 526a, and the discharge passage 527a are disposed on the housing member 521a1 side (the front side in FIG. 9). Is formed. Thereby, the path | route with which a game ball actually contacts becomes the site | part remove | deviated from the boundary part (joining part) of both the housing members 521a1 and 521a2. Dust and dust are likely to accumulate at the boundary between the housing members 521a1 and 521a2. However, by adopting a configuration in which such a boundary portion is removed from the path where the game ball actually contacts, it is possible to eliminate the problem that the flow of the game ball is hindered by dust or dust accumulated in the boundary portion. .

  In FIG. 10, on the left side of the input passage 526a, an input gate member 530a is disposed along the vertical portion of the input passage 526a. The input gate member 530a is supported so as to be swingable about the support shaft 531a, and the claw portion 532a formed at the distal end portion of the input gate member 530a is moved by the swing with the support shaft 531a as a fulcrum. It appears at 526a. A passage cutout portion 533a is formed in the passage wall of the introduction passage 526a, and the claw portion 532a of the introduction gate member 530a protrudes and appears in the introduction passage 526a from the passage cutout portion 533a. At normal times, the claw portion 532a of the insertion gate member 530a protrudes into the insertion passage 526a, and the passage of the game ball through the insertion passage 526a is blocked. On the other hand, when the game ball is thrown in (taken in), the claw portion 532a of the throw gate member 530a is retracted from the throw passage 526a, and the game ball is allowed to pass through the throw passage 526a.

  It should be noted that the protrusion / disengagement position of the claw portion 532a of the input gate member 530a is provided immediately downstream of the corner portion where the input passage 526a bends in the vertical direction. Therefore, the game ball that has flowed to the corner portion of the insertion passage 526a in a state where the claw portion 532a of the insertion gate member 530a protrudes into the insertion passage 526a does not flow into the vertical portion of the insertion passage 526a. Accordingly, when a later-described discharge gate member 540 is operated to discharge game balls in the input unit 52, the game balls are not clogged in the input passage 526a and do not remain in the input unit 52. That is, with this configuration, the game ball in the insertion unit 52 can be completely discharged via the discharge passages 527a to 527c.

  Next, the closing solenoid 534a for moving the closing gate member 530a in and out will be described. In the housing members 521a1 and 521a2, a closing solenoid 534a as a drive source of the closing gate member 530a is disposed. The closing solenoid 534a includes a rod-shaped output shaft 535a, and this output shaft 535a is held in an expanded state by a coil spring 536a as shown in FIG. When the closing solenoid 534a is energized in this state, the output shaft 535a is drawn into the closing solenoid 534a against the urging force of the coil spring 536a. A guide 537a is attached to the tip of the output shaft 535a. A part of the guide 537a is engaged with a swing piece 539a that swings about the shaft portion 538a, and the closing gate member 530a swings by the swing of the swing piece 539a. ing.

  In such a configuration, when the closing solenoid 534a is not energized, the output shaft 535a of the closing solenoid 534a is held in an extended state by the urging force of the coil spring 536a as shown in FIG. 10, and the closing gate member 530a The claw portion 532a is in a state of protruding into the charging passage 526a. Thereby, the insertion passage 526a is closed, and the passage of the game ball through the insertion passage 526a is prevented.

  On the other hand, when the closing solenoid 534a is energized, the output shaft 535a moves in the contracting direction against the biasing force of the coil spring 536a. That is, the output shaft 535a is drawn into the closing solenoid 534a. Then, by the guide 537a attached to the tip of the output shaft 535a, the swing piece 539a swings and rotates in the clockwise direction in FIG. 10 about the shaft portion 538a, and the claw portion 532a of the closing gate member 530a It is in a state of being immersed from the charging passage 526a. As a result, the insertion passage 526a is opened, and the passage of the game ball through the insertion passage 526a is allowed.

  Thereafter, when the energization to the closing solenoid 534a is stopped, the output shaft 535a is extended by the urging force of the coil spring 536a, and the swing piece 539a swings and rotates in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 10 about the shaft portion 538a. Then, the claw portion 532a of the charging gate member 530a returns to the state where it projects into the charging passage 526a. In this way, by applying power to the charging solenoid 534a, the charging passage 526a is opened, and by stopping the power supply, the charging passage 526a is closed.

  Next, the discharge gate member 540 will be described. The discharge gate member 540 is a member that is operated when the game ball in the input unit 52 is discharged. When the discharge gate member 540 is actuated, the inlet passage 522a and the discharge passage 527a communicate with each other, and the game balls in the insertion unit 52 are discharged to the lower plate 41 through the discharge passages 527a to 527c.

  Through holes 541a1 and 541a2 are formed at the entrance positions of the discharge passages 527a of the housing members 521a1 and 521a2, and the discharge gate members 540 are arranged so that the through holes 541a1 and 541a2 can slide in the front-rear direction in FIG. It is installed. The discharge gate member 540 is not individually provided in each of the input devices 521a to 521c, but one discharge gate member 540 is provided in common to all the input devices 521a to 521c. Depending on the operating state of the discharge gate member 540, the discharge (ball removal) of the game balls is allowed or prevented simultaneously in each of the input devices 521a to 521c.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the discharge gate member 540 has a substantially rectangular shape as a whole, and substantially square-shaped openings 542a to 542c are formed at three locations, and at the lower ends of the openings 542a to 542c, respectively. Each of the claw portions 547a to 547c protrudes toward the back side (on the side of the input passages 526a to 526c). In addition, wall-shaped wall plate portions 543a to 543c are formed between the openings 542a to 542c, respectively. The openings 542a to 542c and the wall plate portions 543a to 543c are formed corresponding to the discharge passages 527a to 527c of the input devices 521a to 521c, respectively, and slide the discharge gate member 540 in the longitudinal direction. As a result, the discharge passages 527a to 527c are simultaneously opened or closed.

  When the return lever 38 is operated, the discharge gate member 540 slides in the longitudinal direction of the discharge gate 540 (the right rear direction in FIG. 9), and the discharge passages 527a to 527c are opened. Then, by the slide, the claw portions 547a to 547c of the discharge gate member 540 enter into the input passages 526a to 526c, move to the front of the claw portions 532a to 532c of the input gate members 530a to 530c, and the input gate member 530a. It abuts on the game ball that is pinched between the claw portions 532a to 532c of ˜530c. On the other hand, when the operation of the return lever 38 is completed, the discharge gate member 540 slides in the opposite direction (the left front direction in FIG. 9), the discharge passages 527a to 527c are closed, and the claw portions 547a to 547c of the discharge gate member 540 are closed. However, it exits from the inside of the input passages 526a to 526c.

  The claw portions 532a to 532c of the discharge gate member 540 are in a ball suspension state (a state in which a game ball stays between the discharge gate member 540 and the claw portions 532a to 532c of the input gate members 530a to 530c). It is provided to eliminate the problem. When the claw portions 547a to 547c come into contact with the game ball, the balance between the game ball and the claw portions 532a to 532c of the insertion gate members 530a to 530c is lost, and the game ball is opened, so that the insertion passages 526a to 526c are opened. Can be dropped, and the suspended ball state is eliminated.

  As described above, when the return lever 38 is operated, the ball suspension state to be described later is surely canceled. Therefore, if the ball suspension state is not canceled even if the return lever 38 is operated, an illegal insertion is performed. There are cases where one of the sensors 550a1, 550a2, and 555a is out of order. In this embodiment, even if the return lever 38 is operated, if the suspended ball state is not resolved, there is a possibility of fraud using the lamps 6 and 7, the speaker 8, and the liquid crystal display unit 81, Since it is notified that there is an abnormality, it is possible to make a player or a hall related person recognize that there was an abnormality. Therefore, a player or a hall-related person can quickly cope with the abnormality, and can suppress the game from being interrupted for a long time due to the abnormality. Further, since the hall personnel can recognize that there is a high possibility that fraud is being performed, it becomes easier to find fraud and can suppress fraud.

  A spring receiving portion 544 and a sensor shielding portion 546 are formed at one end portion (the right front end portion in FIG. 9) of the discharge gate member 540, and a rod 545 is formed at the other end portion. A return lever detection switch 38a is disposed on the extended line in the sliding direction of the sensor shielding portion 546 that slides with the discharge gate member 540 (right rear in FIG. 9). The return lever detection switch 38a is a switch for detecting the operation of the return lever 38. The return lever detection switch 38a includes a known optical sensor composed of a light emitting element and a light receiving element, and has a pair of arm portions and is substantially U-shaped. Is formed. A light emitting element is accommodated in one of the arm portions, and a light receiving element is accommodated in the other arm portion. The light output from the light emitting element is received by the light receiving element. When the return lever 38 is operated, the sensor shield 546 slides together with the discharge gate member 540, the sensor shield 546 enters between the pair of arms of the return lever detection switch 38a, and light reception by the light receiving element is blocked. It is done. The return lever detection switch 38a detects that the return lever 38 is operated when light reception by the light receiving element is interrupted, and controls the detection signal (ON signal) of the operation while the return lever 38 is operated. The data is output to the input / output port 114 of the device 110. In the present embodiment, when the operation detection signal (ON signal) is received by the main control device 110, the number of game balls counted as being inserted are paid out by the payout control device 210.

  Further, a cover member 528 is provided on one side surface of the charging device 521c. A coil spring (not shown) is incorporated between the cover member 528 and the spring receiving portion 544, and the discharge gate member 540 is constantly urged toward the left front side in FIG. 9 by the coil spring. In such a state, the discharge passages 527a to 527c are closed by the wall plate portions 543a to 543c, thereby preventing the game balls from being discharged.

  The rod 545 of the discharge gate member 540 is configured to operate in conjunction with the operation of the return lever 38 described above. When the return lever 38 is operated, the rod 545 of the discharge gate member 540 is changed to FIG. As a result, the discharge gate member 540 slides in this direction. As a result, the openings 542a to 542c reach the positions of the discharge passages 527a to 527c, the inlet passages 522a to 522c and the discharge passages 527a to 527c communicate with each other, and the game balls in the input unit 52 are discharged. It is discharged to the lower tray 41 through the passages 527a to 527c.

  On the other hand, when the operation of the return lever 38 is finished, the discharge gate member 540 is pushed back leftward in FIG. 9 by the biasing force of the coil spring, and as a result, the discharge gate member 540 slides in this direction. Thereby, each wall-plate part 543a-543c returns to the position of each discharge channel | path 527a-527c, and each discharge channel | path 527a-527c is closed.

  Next, detection means (insertion sensor units (W sensors) 550a to 550c and input downstream side proximity sensors 555a to 555c) for detecting the input of game balls in the input devices 521a to 521c will be described.

  The throwing device 521a is provided with a throwing sensor unit 550a for detecting a game ball passing through the throwing passage 526a. The input sensor unit 550a constitutes a game ball counting means for counting the number of game balls passing through the input passage 526a, and includes a known optical sensor including a light emitting element and a light receiving element. The closing sensor unit 550a has a pair of arm portions 551a and 552a, is formed in a substantially U shape, and is assembled so as to straddle the pair of housing members 521a1 and 521a2.

  A light emitting element is accommodated in one of the arm portions 551a, and a light receiving element is accommodated in the other of the arm portions 552a. A pair of upper and lower sensor detection holes 553a and 554a are formed at the inner end portions of the arm portions 551a and 552a, respectively, at the inner portions. Two light emitting elements and two light receiving elements are accommodated in the pair of arm portions 551a and 552a, and these elements emit and receive light through the sensor detection holes 553a and 554a. Hereinafter, the light emitting element and the light receiving element housed in the upper stage of the making sensor unit 550a are referred to as the upstream optical sensor 550a1, and the light emitting element and the light receiving element housed in the lower stage of the making sensor unit 550a are the downstream optical sensor. It is called 550a2. Each sensor 550a1 and 550a2 outputs a detection signal (ON signal) to the main controller 110 (to be described later) that manages the insertion (intake) of the game ball while detecting the game ball.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the sensor detection holes 553a and 554a are provided at positions slightly offset from the center (positions slightly shifted to the left in FIG. 10) in the input passage 526a (not shown). The same applies to the sensor detection hole 554a). The positions where the sensor detection holes 553a and 554a are formed are the game ball detection positions by the insertion sensor unit 550a. In this case, since the sensor detection holes 553a and 554a are provided immediately below the claw portion 532a formed at the tip of the insertion gate member 530a, the insertion is performed unless the claw portion 532a of the insertion gate member 530a moves to the immersive side. A game ball is not detected by the sensor unit 550a.

  When the insertion gate member 530a is opened and a game ball is inserted (when the game ball is taken into the input device 521a), the upper and lower sensors 550a1 and 550a2 of the upper and lower sensors 550a1 of the input sensor unit 550a are first connected with the upstream sensor 550a1. A game ball is detected, and thereafter, the game ball is detected by the downstream sensor 550a2. Therefore, main controller 110 receives the detection signal (ON signal) from upstream optical sensor 550a1, and then receives the detection signal (ON signal) from downstream optical sensor 550a2.

  In the present embodiment, the main controller 110 determines whether or not the game ball has been normally inserted based on the detection signal (ON signal) of the game ball output from each of the sensors 550a1 and 550a2. Specifically, only when the game ball is detected in the order of the upstream sensor 550a1 and then the downstream sensor 550a2 within a predetermined time (for example, within 300 ms), It is determined that the input has been performed.

  If the time required from the detection of the game ball by the upstream sensor 550a1 to the detection of the game ball by the downstream sensor 550a2 is longer than a specified time (for example, 300 ms), or contrary to the normal time, the downstream When the game ball is detected in the order of the sensor 550a2 on the side, and then the sensor 550a1 on the upstream side, it is recognized as abnormal, the fact is notified, and the subsequent game is stopped. Therefore, for example, it is possible to suppress an illegal act such as using an unauthorized device to disguise as if a plurality of game balls are inserted.

  In addition, an insertion downstream proximity sensor 555a is provided at the most downstream portion of the insertion passage 526a to detect the game ball that has passed through the input gate member 530a by the input sensor unit 550a and then detect the game ball again. Yes. This close-up downstream proximity sensor 555a is configured by a magnetic detection type proximity sensor, detects the passage of the game ball by the change of the magnetic field accompanying the passage of the game ball, and detects the game signal while detecting the game ball ( ON signal) is output to the main controller 110 described later, similarly to the closing sensor unit 550a.

  In the present embodiment, the detection of the current game ball is based on the detection signal (ON signal) output from the input sensor unit 550a and the detection signal (ON signal) output from the input downstream side proximity sensor 555a. The main controller 110 determines whether the result (determination result by the insertion sensor unit 550a) is normal, that is, whether it is not illegal. Specifically, the number of game balls counted by the input sensor unit 550a (for example, the number of game balls counted by the detection result of one sensor element) is compared with the number of game balls counted by the input downstream side proximity sensor 555a. When these count numbers match, it is determined that the current detection result of the game ball (determination result by the insertion sensor unit 550a) is normal. On the other hand, when the count numbers do not match, it is determined that the current game ball detection result (determination result by the insertion sensor unit 550a) is not a regular one but is due to an illegal act.

  As described above, since the two sensor devices (the input sensor unit 550a and the input downstream side proximity sensor 555a) having different detection methods are arranged in the input passage 526a, a game ball is provided in any of the sensor devices. It is difficult to perform fraudulent acts that cause false detection. Therefore, it is possible to make a countermeasure against fraud in the input device 521a desirable.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 11, the throwing-in operation (take-in operation) and the discharging operation of the game ball by the throwing device 521a will be described. FIG. 11A illustrates a standby state in which neither the insertion operation nor the discharge operation is performed, and FIG. 11B illustrates the execution state of the game ball insertion operation (take-in operation). FIG. 11C shows the execution state of the game ball discharge operation.

  The standby state in FIG. 11A is a case where the closing solenoid 534a is not energized and the discharge gate member 540 is not operated (the return lever 38 is not operated). That is, since the closing solenoid 534a is not energized, the claw portion 532a of the closing gate member 530a protrudes into the closing passage 526a. Further, since the discharge gate member 540 is not operated, the wall plate portion 543a of the discharge gate member 540 is positioned at the discharge passage 527a, and the inlet of the discharge passage 527a is closed. That is, the insertion gate member 530a and the discharge gate member 540 close the input passage 526a and the discharge passage 527a, thereby preventing the game ball from passing. In this case, of the game balls that have entered the insertion device 521a, the leading game ball is held in a state where it hits both the input gate member 530a and the discharge gate member 540.

  When the energizing solenoid 534a is energized from the standby state of FIG. 11 (a), the game ball is placed (taken) in an operation state shown in FIG. 11 (b). That is, when energization to the making solenoid 534a is performed, the claw portion 532a of the making gate member 530a is in a state of being retracted (retracted) from the making passage 526a. In such a state, the game balls are allowed to pass through the insertion passage 526a, and the game balls are sequentially inserted (taken in). When the game ball is thrown in, the game ball that has entered the entrance passage 526a from the entrance passage 522a collides with the wall plate portion 543a of the discharge gate member 540 in the passage closed state, and the momentum of the flow is reduced by the collision. In addition, after a momentary stop state, the air flows to the downstream side of the charging passage 526a. For this reason, in the insertion passage 526a, the front and rear game balls flow down in a state of being separated from each other, so that the insertion sensor unit 550a can reliably detect the passage of the game balls.

  When the player performs a discharge operation (operation of the return lever 34 by the player) from the standby state of FIG. 11A, the game ball discharge operation state shown in FIG. In such a state, the discharge gate member 540 operates (slides), the opening 542a of the discharge gate member 540 reaches the position of the discharge passage 527a, and the discharge passage 527a is opened. At this time, since the closing solenoid 534a is not energized, the claw portion 532a of the closing gate member 530a protrudes into the closing passage 526a, and the closing passage 526a is in a closed state. Therefore, the game ball that has entered from the entrance passage 522a is blocked from passing to the input passage 526a and allowed to pass to the discharge passage 527a. As a result, the game ball passes through the discharge passage 527a and is discharged to the lower plate 41. Is done. Thereby, the game balls are discharged (ball removal).

  The throwing unit 52 is provided with three throwing devices 521a to 521c configured as described above, and game balls are supplied from the guide passages 371 to 373 of the upper plate 36 to the throwing devices 521a to 521c, respectively. When the bet switch 35 is operated by the player, the game balls are inserted (taken in) by the input devices 521a to 521c. Specifically, for example, when 15 (maximum bet) gaming balls are thrown, the throwing gate members 530a to 530c are simultaneously operated to the immersive positions in all the throwing devices 521a to 521c, and the throwing of the gaming balls is performed all at once. To begin. At this time, each of the throwing devices 521a to 521c takes in five game balls.

  However, of any of the three throwing devices 521a to 521c, if any of the throwing devices is not filled with a game ball, or if any of the throwing solenoids 534a to 534c is faulty, When it does not operate, the game balls are thrown in by the remaining throwing devices that can perform a normal throwing operation. In the case where any of the throwing devices is not filled with the game ball, the game ball is in the upper plate 36, but stops at any of the guide passages 371 to 373, and as a result, communicates with the guide passages 371 to 373. In some cases, the throwing devices 521a to 521c are not filled with game balls. For example, when the throwing device 521a is not filled with a game ball, or when the throwing solenoid 534a of the throwing device 521a is out of order, the other throwing devices 521b and 521c other than the throwing device 521a A game ball is thrown in (taken in). On the other hand, when the game balls remaining on the input devices 521a to 521c and the upper plate 36 are discharged to the lower plate 41, the discharge gate member 540 slides with the operation of the return lever 38 by the player, The game balls are discharged all at once from the devices 521a to 521c.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 12, an example of a ball suspension state in the charging devices 521a to 521c will be described. Since each of the input devices 521a to 521c has a substantially similar configuration, the description will be given by taking one input device 521a as an example. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a ball suspension state in the charging device 521a.

  As described above, when the bet switch 35 is operated by the player, the game balls are taken in all at once by the insertion devices 521a to 521c. At this time, the number of game balls to be taken in by each of the throwing devices 521a to 521c so that the number of game balls (for example, “5” or “15”) necessary for starting the game is fetched by the respective throwing devices 521a to 521c. Are distributed by the main controller 110. For example, if 15 game balls are taken in in total, each of the throwing devices 521a to 521c is sorted so as to take 5 balls.

  When the number of game balls to be taken in by the throwing device 521a is distributed, the throwing solenoid 534a is energized, and the claw portion 532a of the throwing gate member 530a is in a state of being retracted (retracted) from the throwing passage 526a. Incorporation of game balls into 526a is started.

  Then, the game balls taken into the insertion passage 526a one by one are completed to pass through the insertion sensor unit 550a, and each time the completion of the passage of the game ball is detected by the insertion sensor unit 550a, the game ball is already inserted. It is determined that the number of game balls already inserted is incremented by 1 (see S860 in FIG. 32). Then, when the number of already-entered game balls reaches the number of game balls distributed to the input device 521a (for example, five), the energization to the input solenoid 534a is stopped, and the claw portion 532a of the input gate member 530a is The state of projecting into the insertion passage 526a is stopped, and the game ball is not taken into the insertion passage 526a.

  Note that the start of passage of the game ball is detected by the input sensor unit 550a and each of the sensors 550a1, 550a2, and 555a means that the game ball is not detected by the input sensor unit 550a and each of the sensors 550a1, 550a2, and 555a. This indicates that the detection of the passing of the game ball has started. In addition, when the throwing sensor unit 550a and each sensor 550a1, 550a2, and 555a detect that the game ball is passing, the throwing sensor unit 550a and each sensor 550a1, 550a2, and 555a detect the start of passing the game ball. From this, it is shown that the game ball continues to be detected. Further, the completion of the passage of the game ball is detected by the insertion sensor unit 550a and each of the sensors 550a1, 550a2, and 555a means that the passage of the game ball is detected by the insertion sensor unit 550a and each of the sensors 550a1, 550a2, and 555a. Indicates that the game ball is not detected.

  In this embodiment, in order not to take in too many game balls, the game balls to be taken in by the throwing device 521a become one remaining ball, and the last ball is started to be detected by the upstream optical sensor 550a1 of the throw sensor unit 550a ( When the passage is detected), the energization to the closing solenoid 534a is stopped. The time from when the energization to the making solenoid 534a is stopped until the claw portion 532a of the making gate member 530a protrudes into the making passage 526a is very short, but it is a sufficient time to take in two or more game balls. Therefore, if the energization of the making solenoid 534a is stopped after the gaming ball has passed the downstream optical sensor 550a2 of the making sensor unit 550a, there is a high possibility that the game ball will be excessively taken in. However, according to the present embodiment, the remaining game balls are taken in by the throwing device 521a, and the last ball is started to be detected (detected as the start of passage) by the upstream optical sensor 550a1 of the throwing sensor unit 550a. In this case, since energization to the closing solenoid 534a is stopped, it is possible to suppress excessive taking-in of game balls.

  Here, a description will be given of ball clogging (ball suspension state described later) that occurs in the charging devices 521a to 521c of the present embodiment. For example, the game balls to be taken in by the throwing device 521a become one remaining ball, and the last ball hits the wall plate portion 543a of the discharge gate member 540 and the like, and throws into the throwing passage 526a while flapping. When energization to the solenoid 534a is stopped and the claw portion 532a of the input gate member 530a protrudes into the input passage 526a, the last ball is a claw of the discharge gate member 540 and the input gate member 530a as shown in FIG. A ball-suspended state that is sandwiched and stayed between the portion 532a occurs.

  More specifically, in the example of the ball suspension state shown in FIG. 12, a game ball is sandwiched between the discharge gate member 540 and the claw portion 532a of the insertion gate member 530a, and the game ball sandwiched is inserted. A state where the sensor unit 550a remains at a position detected only by the upstream optical sensor 550a1 (hereinafter referred to as “ball suspended state A”) is shown. In the ball suspension state A, the detection signal (ON signal) is continuously output only from the upstream optical sensor 550a1 to the main controller 110, and nothing is output from the downstream optical sensor 550a2 ( FIG. 14 (a)).

  In addition, although not shown in the drawings, as a ball suspension state, the sandwiched game ball is positioned slightly downstream from the ball suspension state A, and the upstream optical sensor 550a1 and the downstream optical sensor 550a2 A state in which the ball stays at a position detected by both (hereinafter referred to as “ball suspended state B”) and a game ball that is sandwiched is positioned slightly downstream of the ball suspended state B, and the downstream optical sensor There is a state of staying at a position detected only by 550a2 (hereinafter, “ball suspended state C”). In the case of the ball suspension state B, detection signals (ON signals) are continuously output from the upstream optical sensor 550a1 and the downstream optical sensor 550a2 to the main controller 110 (see FIG. 15A), and the ball suspension is performed. In the state C, the detection signal (ON signal) continues to be output only from the downstream optical sensor 550a2 to the main controller 110, and nothing is output from the upstream optical sensor 550a1 (see FIG. 16A). ).

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 13 to 16, the state of the gaming machine 1 at the time of game ball insertion operation (at the time of take-in operation) will be described. Since each of the input devices 521a to 521c has a substantially similar configuration, the description will be given by taking one input device 521a as an example.

  FIG. 13 is an example of an operation chart for explaining the state of the gaming machine 1 when the throwing operation is normally completed without causing the ball hanging state. FIG. 14 is mainly showing the throwing operation. It is an example of the operation | movement chart for demonstrating the state of the gaming machine 1 when the ball suspension state A occurs during operation. FIG. 15 is an example of an operation chart for explaining the state of the gaming machine 1 mainly when the ball suspension state B occurs during the turning-in operation, and FIG. It is an example of the operation | movement chart for demonstrating the state of the gaming machine 1 when the ball suspension state C occurs.

  In the example of the operation charts of FIGS. 13 to 16, when the bet switch 35 detects a press by a player or the like and the bet switch 35 outputs a detection signal, the making solenoid 534 a is in operation (energized). When the return lever detection switch 38a detects the operation of the return lever 38 and the return lever detection switch 38a outputs a detection signal, each is shown as an ON state (corresponding to the hatched portion in the figure). In addition, when the sensors 550a1, 550a2, and 555a detect that the game ball is passing and the sensors 550a1, 550a2, and 555a are outputting detection signals, they are shown as ON states (corresponding to hatched portions in the figure). Show.

  First, with reference to FIG. 13, the state of the gaming machine 1 when the throwing-in operation is normally completed without the ball hanging state occurring will be described. FIG. 13A is an example of an operation chart showing the state of the gaming machine 1 when the throwing operation ends normally without occurrence of a ball hanging state, and FIG. ) Is an enlarged view enlarging a region X (period from time tC to time tD).

  As shown in FIG. 13 (a), when the player presses the bet switch 35 at time tA, the press is detected by the bet switch 35, and a detection signal (ON signal) is sent from the bet switch 35 to the main controller 110. ) Is output. When the main control device 110 receives a detection signal (ON signal) from the bet switch 35, the main control device 110 distributes the number of game balls (for example, five) to be taken in by the throwing device 521a. When the distribution of the number of game balls to be taken in is finished and time tB is reached, energization to the making solenoid 534a of the making device 521a is started. Then, the game ball starts to be taken into the insertion passage 526a.

  When the taken game ball flows into the insertion passage 526a (time tC), first, the upstream optical sensor 550a1 of the insertion sensor unit 550a detects the start of passage of the game ball (during passage), and the upstream optical sensor A detection signal (ON signal) is output from 550a1 to main controller 110. Subsequently, the downstream optical sensor 550a2 detects the start (passing) of the game ball, and a detection signal (ON signal) is output from the downstream optical sensor 550a2 to the main controller 110. When the game ball completes passing through the input sensor unit 550a (time tD), the output of the detection signals from the sensors 550a1 and 550a2 is completed, and then reaches the most downstream portion of the input passage 526a (time tE). The throwing downstream proximity sensor 555a detects the start of passing of the game ball (during passing), and a detection signal (ON signal) is output from the throwing downstream proximity sensor 555a to the main controller 110. Then, when the game ball completes passing through the input downstream side proximity sensor 555a, the output of the detection signal from the input downstream side proximity sensor 555a ends.

  Also, the throwing downstream proximity sensor 555a detects the game ball far behind the making sensor unit 550a (each sensor 550a1, 550a2). This is because the sensor unit 550a (each sensor 550a1, 550a2) is disposed on the downstream side.

  Similarly, the game balls are sequentially taken in one by one in the throwing device 521a, and the completion of the passing of the game balls is repeatedly detected by the sensors 550a1, 550a2, and 555a. Then, the remaining game balls to be taken in by the throwing device 521a become one ball, and the last ball starts to pass the upstream optical sensor 550a1 (time tF), and the upstream optical sensor 550a1 starts to pass the game ball. Is detected, the energization to the closing solenoid 534a is stopped. As a result, the nail | claw part 532a of the insertion gate member 530a protrudes, the insertion channel | path 526a is closed, and taking-in of the game ball in the insertion apparatus 521a is stopped.

  The last ball taken in by the making device 521a flows into the making passage 526a before the making solenoid 534a is deenergized and the making passage 526a is closed. Then, when the last ball completes passing through the closing sensor unit 550a (time tG) and then completes passing through the closing downstream proximity sensor 555a (time tH), the closing operation ends normally. This means that all of the game balls (for example, five games) distributed by the control device 110 have been taken in.

  In addition, when the throwing device 521a has one remaining game ball to be taken in and the last ball is detected by the upstream optical sensor 550a1 (detected to start passing), the energization to the making solenoid 534a is stopped. In addition, since the insertion passage 526a is closed by projecting the claw portion 532a of the insertion gate member 530a, it is possible to prevent extra game balls from being taken in exceeding the number of game balls distributed by the main controller 110. can do.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 13B, the timing at which a game ball is detected by the upstream optical sensor 550a1 and the downstream optical sensor 550a2 will be specifically described. FIG. 13B is an enlarged view in which the region X (period from time tC to time tD) in FIG. 13A is enlarged.

  At time tB (see FIG. 13A) when the insertion passage 526a is opened and the game ball is taken in (see FIG. 13A), the game ball has not yet flowed into the insertion passage 526a. In 550a2), the game ball is not detected, and nothing is output from the sensors 550a1 and 550a2.

  When the game ball flows into the insertion passage 526a and time tC is reached, the game ball reaches the upstream optical sensor 550a1 in the upper stage of the input sensor unit 550a, and the upstream optical sensor 550a1 starts passing the game ball. At time tC1, the upstream optical sensor 550a1 detects that the game ball is passing. At time tC1, since the game ball has not yet reached the downstream optical sensor 550a2, the passage of the game ball is detected only by the upstream optical sensor 550a1. That is, the detection signal (ON signal) is output only from the upstream optical sensor 550a1, and nothing is output from the downstream optical sensor 550a2.

  Thereafter, the game ball further falls in the insertion passage 526a and reaches the downstream optical sensor 550a2, and the start of passage of the game ball is detected by the downstream optical sensor 550a2, and at time tC2, the insertion sensor unit 550a Since both the upper and lower sensors 550a1 and 550a2 detect that the game ball is passing, detection signals (ON signals) are output from both the upstream optical sensor 550a1 and the downstream optical sensor 550a2.

  Then, the game ball further falls in the insertion passage 526a, and the completion of the passage of the game ball is detected by the upstream optical sensor 550a1, and at time tC3, the game ball is not detected by the upstream optical sensor 550a1, and the downstream side The passing of the game ball is detected only by the optical sensor 550a2. That is, at time tC3, nothing is output from the upstream optical sensor 550a1, and a detection signal (ON signal) is output only from the downstream optical sensor 550a2. At time tD, the game ball is completely passed through the insertion sensor unit 550a, and the downstream optical sensor 550a2 detects the completion of the game ball. Therefore, the sensors 550a1 and 550a2 cannot detect the game ball. . Therefore, at time tD, nothing is output from both the upstream optical sensor 550a1 and the downstream optical sensor 550a2.

  In the present embodiment, when the output of the upstream optical sensor 550a1 and the output of the downstream optical sensor 550a2 indicate the above-described series of changes, it is counted that a game ball has been inserted. . Conversely, when each sensor 550a1, 550a2 does not show the above-described series of changes, for example, when only the output of one of the sensors 550a1, 550a2 changes, the sensor 550a1, 550a2 fails. If there is a possibility that the game ball is illegally inserted, it is possible to use the lamps 6, 7, the speaker 8, and the liquid crystal display unit 81 to indicate that there is a possibility of an abnormality or an illegal act. Notify the hall related personnel. By this notification, hall personnel can recognize that there is a possibility of cheating, so it becomes easier to find cheating and suppress cheating.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 14, the state of the gaming machine 1 when the ball suspension state A occurs during the throwing operation will be described. The ball suspension state A means that when the game ball reaches the upstream optical sensor 550a1 in the upper stage of the input sensor unit 550a, the game ball is located between the discharge gate member 540 and the claw portion 532a of the input gate member 530a. This is a state in which the passing of the game ball continues to be detected only by the upstream optical sensor 550a1.

  FIG. 14A is an example of an operation chart showing the state of the gaming machine 1 when the ball suspension state A is canceled by the operation of the return lever 38 and the throwing-in operation ends normally, and FIG. FIG. 14 (b-4) is an example of an operation chart showing the state of the gaming machine 1 when the ball suspension state A is not solved even if the return lever 38 is operated. First, with reference to FIG. 14A, the state of the gaming machine 1 when the ball suspension state A is canceled by the operation of the return lever 38 and the throwing-in operation is normally completed will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 14 (a), when the player presses the bet switch 35 at time tA, the press is detected by the bet switch 35, and a detection signal (ON signal) is sent from the bet switch 35 to the main controller 110. ) Is output. When the main control device 110 receives a detection signal (ON signal) from the bet switch 35, the main control device 110 distributes the number of game balls (for example, five) to be taken in by the throwing device 521a. When the distribution of the number of game balls to be taken in is finished and time tB is reached, energization to the making solenoid 534a of the making device 521a is started. Then, the game ball starts to be taken into the insertion passage 526a.

  When the taken game ball flows into the insertion passage 526a (time tC), first, the upstream optical sensor 550a1 of the insertion sensor unit 550a detects the start of passage of the game ball (during passage), and the upstream optical sensor A detection signal (ON signal) is output from 550a1 to main controller 110. Subsequently, the downstream optical sensor 550a2 detects the start (passing) of the game ball, and a detection signal (ON signal) is output from the downstream optical sensor 550a2 to the main controller 110. When the game ball completes passing through the input sensor unit 550a (time tD), the output of the detection signals from the sensors 550a1 and 550a2 is completed, and then reaches the most downstream portion of the input passage 526a (time tE). The throwing downstream proximity sensor 555a detects the start of passing of the game ball (during passing), and a detection signal (ON signal) is output from the throwing downstream proximity sensor 555a to the main controller 110. Then, when the game ball completes passing through the input downstream side proximity sensor 555a, the output of the detection signal from the input downstream side proximity sensor 555a ends.

  Similarly, the game balls are sequentially taken in one by one in the throwing device 521a, and the completion of the passing of the game balls is repeatedly detected by the sensors 550a1, 550a2, and 555a. Then, the remaining game balls to be taken in by the throwing device 521a become one ball, and the last ball starts to pass the upstream optical sensor 550a1 (time tF), and the upstream optical sensor 550a1 starts to pass the game ball. Is detected, the energization to the closing solenoid 534a is stopped. As a result, the nail | claw part 532a of the insertion gate member 530a protrudes, the insertion channel | path 526a is closed, and taking-in of the game ball in the insertion apparatus 521a is stopped.

  For example, when the last ball collides with the wall plate portion 543a of the discharge gate member 540 and the like and reaches the upstream optical sensor 550a1 while fluttering, when the input passage 526a is closed, the game ball is Then, the ball is clogged between the discharge gate member 540 and the claw portion 532a of the input gate member 530a, and the state where the passing of the game ball continues to be detected only by the upstream optical sensor 550a1 (time tG ), It is determined by the MPU 111 that the ball suspension state A has occurred.

  Here, when the return lever 38 is operated by a player or the like (time tH), the sensor shield 546 slides together with the discharge gate member 540, and the sensor shield 546 is detected by the return lever detection switch 38a and returned. A detection signal (ON signal) is output from the lever detection switch 38 a to the main controller 110. In addition, the claw portion 547a of the discharge gate member 540 comes into contact with the game ball that is stuck between the discharge gate member 540 and the claw portion 532a of the input gate member 530a, and the game ball is released, so that the input passage is opened. 526a starts dropping. Thereafter, the game ball that has started to drop completes passing through the upstream optical detection sensor 550a1 and the downstream optical sensor 550a2 (time tI), reaches the most downstream portion of the input passage 526a, and enters the input downstream proximity sensor 555a. Is completed (time tJ).

That is, the state where the upstream optical detection sensor 550a1 continues to detect the passing of the game ball ends, and the upstream optical detection sensor 550a1 and the downstream optical detection sensor 550a2 detect the completion of the passing of the game ball. Then, within the time t1 (eg, 360 ms, a third predetermined time) after the downstream optical detection sensor 550a2 detects the completion of the passing of the game ball, the throwing downstream proximity sensor 555a starts the passing of the game ball. Detected. This time t1 is the time from when the ball clogging is eliminated until the game ball that has been clogged is started to be detected by the throwing downstream proximity sensor 555a. Next, FIG. 14 (b-1) to FIG. With reference to FIG. 14 (b-4), the state of the gaming machine 1 in an abnormal case where the ball suspension state A is not resolved even when the return lever 38 is operated will be described. Each of FIGS. 14B-1 to 14B-4 is an example of an operation chart showing the state of the gaming machine 1 when the ball suspension state A is not solved even if the return lever 38 is operated. It is. In addition, an example of the operation chart shown in each frame of FIGS. 14B-1 to 14B-4 corresponds to an example of the operation chart shown in the frame of FIG.

  If the return lever 38 is operated after occurrence of the ball suspension state A (time tH), if normal as described above, the state where the upstream optical detection sensor 550a1 continues to detect the passing of the game ball ends. The completion of the passage of the game ball is detected by the upstream optical detection sensor 550a1 and the downstream optical detection sensor 550a2, and then the completion of the passage of the game ball is detected by the input downstream proximity sensor 555a. Therefore, conversely, if the output from each sensor 550a1, 550a2, 555a becomes irregular output (output other than the output of FIG. 14A) after the return lever 38 is operated, it is illegal. It is considered that an illegal act described later is performed by the actor, or one of the sensors 550a1, 550a2, and 555a is broken. The irregular output is, for example, the output shown in FIGS. 14 (b-1) to 14 (b-4). The details will be described later, but the outputs of the sensors 550a1, 550a2, and 555a do not change. In other cases, the signal phase is abnormal, or a game ball is not detected by some of the sensors 550a1, 550a2, and 555a.

  First, FIG. 14 (b-1) will be described. FIG. 14B-1 is an example of an operation chart when the outputs from the sensors 550a1, 550a2, and 555a do not change even when the return lever 38 is operated after the ball suspension state A occurs.

  For example, a fraudster enters a throwing device 521a (that is, the entrance passage 522a or the insertion passage 526a) and passes a game ball that has not been actually thrown (not actually). In some cases, the upstream optical sensor 550a1 and the downstream optical sensor 550a2 are erroneously detected, and an illegal operation (an example of an illegal act) is performed to count that the game ball has been inserted. During such an illegal act, the input passage 526a is closed, and a part of the unauthorized device is fixed between the discharge gate member 540 and the claw portion 532a of the input gate member 530a. Then, a game ball that is not actually thrown in (not actually) is continuously detected by the throwing device 521a, and it is determined by the MPU 111 that the ball suspension state A has occurred. That is, the ball suspension state A occurs even when an illegal act is performed.

  Here, for example, even if the return lever 38 is operated, the game ball detected by the throwing device 521a is actually a game ball that does not flow, and no flow occurs, and the outputs from the sensors 550a1, 550a2, and 555a. Does not change. Therefore, as described above, if the output from each of the sensors 550a1, 550a2, and 555a does not change even if the return lever 38 is operated (time tH) after the occurrence of the ball suspension state A, an illegal act is performed. Therefore, using the lamps 6 and 7, the speaker 8, and the liquid crystal display unit 81, it is notified to a hall related person or the like of the amusement hall that there is a possibility of an abnormality or an illegal act. By this notification, hall personnel can recognize that there is a possibility of cheating, so it becomes easier to find cheating and suppress cheating.

  Next, FIGS. 14B-2 to 14B-3 will be described. FIGS. 14B-2 and 14B-3 are examples of operation charts when the phases of outputs from the sensors 550a1, 550a2, and 555a are abnormal after the return lever 38 is operated.

  As described above, when a fraudulent person uses a fraudulent instrument and performs a fraudulent act, there is actually no gaming ball, but the upstream side optical sensor 550a1 and the downstream side optical sensor 550a2 Since it is erroneously detected, the throwing passage 526a is closed, or after the closing passage 526a is closed, the gaming ball is falsely detected by the upstream optical sensor 550a1 even though there is actually no gaming ball. Thus, it is determined by the MPU 111 that the ball suspension state A has occurred.

  However, even if the ball suspension state A occurs when an illegal act is being performed, there is actually no gaming ball (sandwiched) between the discharge gate member 540 and the claw portion 532a of the insertion gate member 530a. Therefore, even if the return lever 38 is operated, the outputs from the sensors 550a1, 550a2, and 555a do not change, and the outputs from the sensors 550a1, 550a2, and 555a are not the same as in FIG. Regular output.

  As an irregular output, for example, as shown in FIG. 14B-2, after the return lever 38 is operated (time tH), the upstream optical sensor 550a1 erroneously detects that the game ball has passed. Thus, nothing is detected by the downstream optical sensor 550a2, and as a result, nothing is output from the upstream optical sensor 550a1 and the downstream optical sensor 550a2.

  As an irregular output, for example, as shown in FIG. 14B-3, after the return lever 38 is operated (time tH), the upstream optical sensor 550a1 has passed the game ball. Although it is erroneously detected, the downstream optical sensor 550a2 erroneously detects that the game ball is passing (starts passing), and as a result, nothing is output from the upstream optical sensor 550a1, and the downstream optical sensor In this state, the detection signal (ON signal) is continuously output from the type sensor 550a2.

  As described above, after the ball suspension state A occurs, if the output from the sensors 550a1, 550a2, and 555a becomes irregular after the return lever 38 is operated, an illegal act may be performed. Since it is highly probable, the use of the lamps 6 and 7, the speaker 8 and the liquid crystal display unit 81 is used to notify a hall related person or the like of the amusement hall that there is a possibility of occurrence of abnormality or an illegal act. By this notification, hall personnel can recognize that there is a possibility of cheating, so it becomes easier to find cheating and suppress cheating.

  Next, FIG. 14 (b-4) will be described. FIG. 14B-4 shows that after the return lever 38 is operated, the outputs from the upper and lower sensors 550a1 and 550a2 of the making sensor unit 550a are normal, but the output from the making downstream proximity sensor 555a changes. It is an example of the operation | movement chart when not carrying out.

  As described above, the ball suspension state A also occurs when the fraudulent person performs a fraud using the above-described fraudulent instrument. For example, if the fraudster knows that the ball suspension state A is canceled by the operation of the return lever 38, each sensor 550a1, in accordance with the operation of the return lever 38 after the ball suspension state A occurs. It is also conceivable to perform an illegal act of detecting the completion of the passing of the game ball by 550a2.

  As described above, in the normal ball suspension state A, the completion of the passing of the game ball is detected by the upstream optical sensor 550a1 and the downstream optical sensor 550a2 after the return lever 38 is operated (time tH). Is done. Then, after the completion of the passing of the game ball is detected by the downstream optical sensor 550a2, the start of the passing of the game ball is detected by the input downstream proximity sensor 555a within a time t1 (eg, 360 ms, a third predetermined time). Therefore, after the ball suspension state A occurs and the return lever 38 is operated (time tH), if the start of passing the game ball is not detected by the throwing downstream proximity sensor 555a, an illegal act is performed. Or when any of the sensors 550a1, 550a2, and 555a are out of order.

  In addition, in the charging passage 526a, there is no mechanism for protruding and retracting the claw portion 532a of the charging gate member 530a at the position where the charging downstream proximity sensor 555a is disposed. Low. Therefore, within the time t1 (eg, 360 ms, the third predetermined time) after the completion of the passage of the game ball is detected by the downstream optical detection sensor 550a2, the game ball is being passed by the input downstream proximity sensor 555a ( If no (passing start) is detected, there is a high possibility that fraud has been performed. In addition, since the possibility that the ball clogging occurs is very low, even when the passing downstream proximity sensor 555a continues to detect the passing of the game ball, there is a high possibility that the cheating is being performed.

  Therefore, when the output from each sensor 550a1, 550a2, and 555a becomes irregular after the return lever 38 is operated after the ball suspension state A occurs, the lamps 6 and 7, the speaker 8, and the liquid crystal display unit. 81 is used to notify that there is a possibility of fraud or that there is an abnormality. By this notification, the player or the hall related person can recognize that there is an abnormality, so that the abnormality can be quickly dealt with, and the game can be prevented from being interrupted for a long time due to the abnormality. Moreover, since the hall related person can recognize that there is a possibility of a fraudulent act, it becomes easy to find the fraudulent act and can suppress the fraudulent act.

  Further, in this embodiment, the input downstream proximity sensor 555a is a magnetic detection sensor, and the upstream optical detection sensor 550a1 and the downstream optical sensor 550a2 are optical sensors. In order to perform the insertion, two sensors having different detection methods must be erroneously detected almost simultaneously. Therefore, since fraudulent acts can be made difficult, fraud countermeasures in the input device 521a can be desirable.

  Further, in the present embodiment, after the ball suspension state A occurs and the return lever 38 is operated, the outputs from the sensors 550a1, 550a2, and 555a are irregular ((b-1) to (b- in FIG. 14). 4), the lamps 6 and 7, the speaker 8 and the liquid crystal display unit 81 are used to notify that there is a possibility of fraud or that there is an abnormality. In addition to this, when the ball suspension state A occurs, if the bet switch 35 is pressed, the ball suspension state A occurs and the ball suspension state A is canceled by operating the return lever 38. You may comprise so that what can be done is alert | reported. By this notification, a player or a person involved in the hall can recognize that the ball suspension state A has occurred, so that the player can quickly deal with the ball suspension state A and can suppress the game from being interrupted for a long time. .

  Next, with reference to FIG. 15, the state of the gaming machine 1 when the ball suspension state B occurs during the throwing operation will be described. The ball suspended state B means that when the game ball reaches the upstream optical sensor 550a1 and the downstream optical sensor 550a2 of the input sensor unit 550a, the game ball is moved to the nail of the discharge gate member 540 and the input gate member 530a. This is a state where the game ball is continuously detected by both the upstream optical sensor 550a1 and the downstream optical sensor 550a2 between the two parts 532a.

  FIG. 15A is an example of an operation chart showing the state of the gaming machine 1 when the ball suspension state B is canceled by the operation of the return lever 38 and the throwing-in operation ends normally, and FIG. ) To FIG. 15 (b-5) are an example of an operation chart showing the state of the gaming machine 1 when the ball suspension state B is not solved even if the return lever 38 is operated. First, with reference to FIG. 15A, the state of the gaming machine 1 when the ball suspension state B is canceled by the operation of the return lever 38 and the throwing operation ends normally will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 15 (a), when the player presses the bet switch 35 at time tA, the press is detected by the bet switch 35, and a detection signal (ON signal) is sent from the bet switch 35 to the main controller 110. ) Is output. When the main control device 110 receives a detection signal (ON signal) from the bet switch 35, the main control device 110 distributes the number of game balls (for example, five) to be taken in by the throwing device 521a. When the distribution of the number of game balls to be taken in is finished and time tB is reached, energization to the making solenoid 534a of the making device 521a is started. Then, the game ball starts to be taken into the insertion passage 526a.

  When the taken game ball flows into the insertion passage 526a (time tC), first, the upstream optical sensor 550a1 of the insertion sensor unit 550a detects the start of passage of the game ball (during passage), and the upstream optical sensor A detection signal (ON signal) is output from 550a1 to main controller 110. Subsequently, the downstream optical sensor 550a2 detects the start (passing) of the game ball, and a detection signal (ON signal) is output from the downstream optical sensor 550a2 to the main controller 110. When the game ball completes passing through the input sensor unit 550a (time tD), the output of the detection signals from the sensors 550a1 and 550a2 is completed, and then reaches the most downstream portion of the input passage 526a (time tE). The throwing downstream proximity sensor 555a detects the start of passing of the game ball (during passing), and a detection signal (ON signal) is output from the throwing downstream proximity sensor 555a to the main controller 110. Then, when the game ball completes passing through the input downstream side proximity sensor 555a, the output of the detection signal from the input downstream side proximity sensor 555a ends.

  Similarly, the game balls are sequentially taken in one by one in the throwing device 521a, and the completion of the passing of the game balls is repeatedly detected by the sensors 550a1, 550a2, and 555a. Then, the remaining game balls to be taken in by the throwing device 521a become one ball, and the last ball starts to pass the upstream optical sensor 550a1 (time tF), and the upstream optical sensor 550a1 starts to pass the game ball. Is detected, the energization to the closing solenoid 534a is stopped. As a result, the nail | claw part 532a of the insertion gate member 530a protrudes, the insertion channel | path 526a is closed, and taking-in of the game ball in the insertion apparatus 521a is stopped.

  For example, when the last ball collides with the wall plate portion 543a of the discharge gate member 540 or the like and reaches the upstream optical sensor 550a1 and the downstream optical sensor 550a2 while fluttering, the input passage 526a is closed. Then, the game ball is sandwiched between the discharge gate member 540 and the claw portion 532a of the insertion gate member 530a, and the ball is clogged. The upstream optical sensor 550a1 and the downstream optical detection sensor 550a2 While the passing of the game ball continues to be detected (time tG), the MPU 111 determines that the ball suspension state B has occurred.

  Here, when the return lever 38 is operated by a player or the like (time tH), the sensor shield 546 slides together with the discharge gate member 540, and the sensor shield 546 is detected by the return lever detection switch 38a and returned. A detection signal (ON signal) is output from the lever detection switch 38 a to the main controller 110. In addition, the claw portion 547a of the discharge gate member 540 comes into contact with the game ball that is stuck between the discharge gate member 540 and the claw portion 532a of the input gate member 530a, and the game ball is released, so that the input passage is opened. 526a starts dropping. Thereafter, the game ball that has started to drop completes passing through the upstream optical detection sensor 550a1 and the downstream optical sensor 550a2 (time tI), reaches the most downstream portion of the input passage 526a, and enters the input downstream proximity sensor 555a. Is completed (time tJ).

  That is, the state where the upstream optical detection sensor 550a1 and the downstream optical sensor 550a2 continue to detect the passing of the game ball ends, and the upstream optical detection sensor 550a1 and the downstream optical sensor 550a2 pass the game ball. Completion is detected. Then, within the time t1 (eg, 360 ms, a third predetermined time) after the downstream optical detection sensor 550a2 detects the completion of the passing of the game ball, the throwing downstream proximity sensor 555a starts the passing of the game ball. Detected. This time t1 is the time from when the ball clogging is eliminated until the gaming ball that has been clogged is started to be detected by the throwing downstream proximity sensor 555a.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 15 (b-1) to FIG. 15 (b-5), the state of the gaming machine 1 when the ball suspension state B is not solved even if the return lever 38 is operated will be described. To do. Each of FIG. 15 (b-1) to FIG. 15 (b-5) is an example of an operation chart showing the state of the gaming machine 1 when the ball suspension state B is not solved even if the return lever 38 is operated. It is. Note that an example of the operation chart shown in each frame of FIGS. 15B-1 to 15B-5 corresponds to an example of the operation chart shown in the frame of FIG.

  When the return lever 38 is operated after the occurrence of the ball suspension state B (time tH), if the normal state is as described above, the upstream optical detection sensor 550a1 and the downstream optical sensor 550a2 are passing the game ball. The state where the detection continues continues, the completion of the passing of the game ball is detected by the upstream side optical detection sensor 550a1 and the downstream side optical sensor 550a2, and the completion of the passage of the game ball is detected by the input downstream side proximity sensor 555a. Therefore, conversely, if the output from each sensor 550a1, 550a2, 555a becomes irregular output (output other than the output of FIG. 15A) after the return lever 38 is operated, it is illegal. It is considered that an illegal act described later is performed by the actor, or one of the sensors 550a1, 550a2, and 555a is broken. The irregular output is, for example, the output shown in FIGS. 15 (b-1) to 15 (b-5). The details will be described later, but the outputs of the sensors 550a1, 550a2, and 555a do not change. In other cases, the signal phase is abnormal, or a game ball is not detected by some of the sensors 550a1, 550a2, and 555a.

  First, FIG. 15B-1 will be described. FIG. 15B-1 is an example of an operation chart when the outputs from the sensors 550a1, 550a2, and 555a do not change even when the return lever 38 is operated after the ball suspension state B occurs.

  For example, a fraudster enters a throwing device 521a (that is, the entrance passage 522a or the insertion passage 526a) and passes a game ball that has not been actually thrown (not actually). In some cases, the upstream optical sensor 550a1 and the downstream optical sensor 550a2 are erroneously detected, and an illegal operation (an example of an illegal act) is performed to count that the game ball has been inserted. During such an illegal act, the input passage 526a is closed, and a part of the unauthorized device is fixed between the discharge gate member 540 and the claw portion 532a of the input gate member 530a. Then, a game ball that is not actually thrown in (not actually) is continuously detected in the throwing device 521a, and it is determined that the ball suspension state B has occurred by the MPU 111. That is, the ball suspension state B occurs even when an illegal act is performed.

  Here, for example, even if the return lever 38 is operated, the game ball detected by the throwing device 521a is actually a game ball that does not flow, and no flow occurs, and the outputs from the sensors 550a1, 550a2, and 555a. Does not change. Therefore, as described above, if the output from each of the sensors 550a1, 550a2, and 555a does not change even when the return lever 38 is operated (time tH) after the ball suspension state B occurs, an illegal act is performed. Therefore, using the lamps 6 and 7, the speaker 8, and the liquid crystal display unit 81, it is notified to a hall related person or the like of the amusement hall that there is a possibility of an abnormality or an illegal act. By this notification, hall personnel can recognize that there is a possibility of cheating, so it becomes easier to find cheating and suppress cheating.

  Next, FIGS. 15B-2 to 15B-4 will be described. FIGS. 15B-2 to 15B-4 are examples of operation charts when the phases of outputs from the sensors 550a1, 550a2, and 555a are abnormal after the return lever 38 is operated.

  As described above, when a fraudulent person uses a fraudulent instrument and performs a fraudulent act, there is actually no gaming ball, but the upstream side optical sensor 550a1 and the downstream side optical sensor 550a2 Since the erroneous detection is made, the insertion path 526a is closed, or after the insertion path 526a is closed, there is actually no gaming ball, but the upstream optical sensor 550a1 and the downstream optical sensor 550a2 Thus, it is determined that the game ball is erroneously detected and the ball suspension state B is generated by the MPU 111.

  However, even if the ball suspension state B is entered when an illegal act is performed, there is actually no game ball (sandwiched) between the discharge gate member 540 and the claw portion 532a of the insertion gate member 530a. Therefore, even if the return lever 38 is operated, the outputs from the sensors 550a1, 550a2, and 555a do not change, or the outputs from the sensors 550a1, 550a2, and 555a are not different from those in FIG. Regular output.

  As an irregular output, for example, as shown in FIG. 15 (b-2), after the return lever 38 is operated (time tH), both the upstream optical sensor 550a1 and the downstream optical sensor 550a2 At the same time, it is erroneously detected that the game ball has completely passed, and as a result, the detection signals (ON signal) output from both the upstream optical sensor 550a1 and the downstream optical sensor 550a2 are simultaneously turned OFF. It is.

  Further, as an irregular output, for example, as shown in FIG. 15B-3, after the return lever 38 is operated (time tH), the upstream optical sensor 550a1 has passed the game ball. It is erroneously detected, and the downstream optical sensor 550a2 erroneously detects that the game ball is still passing. As a result, nothing is output from the upstream optical sensor 550a1, and from the downstream optical sensor 550a2 The detection signal (ON signal) continues to be output.

  Further, as an irregular output, for example, as shown in FIG. 15 (b-4), after the return lever 38 is operated (time tH), the upstream optical sensor 550a1 continues to pass the game ball. It is erroneously detected that the downstream optical sensor 550a2 detects that the game ball has passed, and as a result, the upstream optical sensor 550a1 continues to output a detection signal (ON signal), and the downstream side In this state, nothing is output from the optical sensor 550a2. As described above, after the ball suspension state B is generated, if the output from each of the sensors 550a1, 550a2, and 555a becomes irregular after the return lever 38 is operated, an illegal act may be performed. Since it is highly probable, the use of the lamps 6 and 7, the speaker 8 and the liquid crystal display unit 81 is used to notify a hall related person or the like of the amusement hall that there is a possibility of occurrence of an abnormality or an illegal act. By this notification, hall personnel can recognize that there is a possibility of cheating, so it becomes easier to find cheating and suppress cheating.

  Next, FIG. 15 (b-5) will be described. FIG. 15B-5 shows that after the return lever 38 is operated, the outputs from the upper and lower sensors 550a1 and 550a2 of the making sensor unit 550a are normal, but the output from the making downstream proximity sensor 555a changes. It is an example of the operation | movement chart when not performing.

  As described above, the ball hanging state B also occurs when the cheating person is cheating using the above-described cheating device. For example, if the fraudster knows that the ball suspension state B is canceled by operating the return lever 38, after the ball suspension state B occurs, the sensors 550a1, It is also conceivable to perform an illegal act of detecting the completion of the passing of the game ball by 550a2.

  As described above, in the normal ball suspension state B, after the return lever 38 is operated (time tH), the completion of the passing of the game ball is detected by the upstream optical sensor 550a1 and the downstream optical sensor 550a2. Is done. Then, after the completion of the passing of the game ball is detected by the downstream optical sensor 550a2, the start of the passing of the game ball is detected by the input downstream proximity sensor 555a within a time t1 (eg, 360 ms, a third predetermined time). Therefore, after the ball suspension state B occurs and the return lever 38 is operated (time tH), if the start of passing the game ball is not detected by the throwing downstream proximity sensor 555a, an illegal act is performed. Or when any of the sensors 550a1, 550a2, and 555a are out of order.

  In addition, in the charging passage 526a, there is no mechanism for protruding and retracting the claw portion 532a of the charging gate member 530a at the position where the charging downstream proximity sensor 555a is disposed. Low. Therefore, after the completion of the passage of the game ball is detected by the downstream optical detection sensor 550a2, the passage of the game ball is started by the input downstream proximity sensor 555a within the time t1 (eg, 360 ms, the third predetermined time). If it is not detected, there is a high possibility that fraud has been performed. In addition, since the possibility that the ball clogging occurs is very low, even when the game ball continues to be detected by the insertion downstream side proximity sensor 555a, there is a high possibility that an illegal act is being performed.

  Therefore, after the ball suspension state B occurs, if the output from the sensors 550a1, 550a2, and 555a becomes irregular after the return lever 38 is operated, the lamps 6 and 7, the speaker 8, and the liquid crystal display unit 81 is used to notify that there is a possibility of fraud or that there is an abnormality. By this notification, the player or the hall related person can recognize that there is an abnormality, so that the abnormality can be quickly dealt with, and the game can be prevented from being interrupted for a long time due to the abnormality. Moreover, since the hall related person can recognize that there is a possibility of a fraudulent act, it becomes easy to find the fraudulent act and can suppress the fraudulent act.

  Further, in this embodiment, the input downstream proximity sensor 555a is a magnetic detection sensor, and the upstream optical detection sensor 550a1 and the downstream optical sensor 550a2 are optical sensors. In order to perform the insertion, two sensors having different detection methods must be erroneously detected almost simultaneously. Therefore, since fraudulent acts can be made difficult, fraud countermeasures in the input device 521a can be desirable.

  Further, in this embodiment, after the ball suspension state B occurs and the return lever 38 is operated, the outputs from the sensors 550a1, 550a2, and 555a are irregular ((b-1) to (b- in FIG. 15). 5), the lamps 6 and 7, the speaker 8 and the liquid crystal display unit 81 are used to notify that there is a possibility of fraud or that there is an abnormality. In addition to this, when the ball suspension state B occurs, if the bet switch 35 is pressed, the ball suspension state B is generated and the ball suspension state B is canceled by operating the return lever 38. You may comprise so that what can be done is alert | reported. By this notification, a player or a person concerned in the hall can recognize that the ball suspension state B has occurred, so that the ball suspension state B can be dealt with quickly, and the game can be prevented from being interrupted for a long period of time. .

  Next, with reference to FIG. 16, the state of the gaming machine 1 when the ball suspension state C occurs during the throwing operation will be described. The ball suspended state C means that when the game ball has passed through the upstream optical sensor 550a1 of the insertion sensor unit 550a and reaches the downstream optical sensor 550a2, the game ball is inserted into the discharge gate member 540. This is a state where the game ball continues to be detected only by the downstream optical sensor 550a2 by being sandwiched between the claw portion 532a of the gate member 530a.

  FIG. 16A is an example of an operation chart showing the state of the gaming machine 1 when the ball suspension state C is canceled by the operation of the return lever 38 and the throwing-in operation ends normally, and FIG. ) To FIG. 16B-3 are examples of operation charts showing the state of the gaming machine 1 in an abnormal case where the ball suspension state C is not resolved even if the return lever 38 is operated. First, with reference to FIG. 16A, the state of the gaming machine 1 when the ball suspension state C is canceled by the operation of the return lever 38 and the throwing-in operation is normally completed will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 16 (a), when the player presses the bet switch 35 at time tA, the press is detected by the bet switch 35, and a detection signal (ON signal) is sent from the bet switch 35 to the main controller 110. ) Is output. When the main control device 110 receives a detection signal (ON signal) from the bet switch 35, the main control device 110 distributes the number of game balls (for example, five) to be taken in by the throwing device 521a. When the distribution of the number of game balls to be taken in is finished and time tB is reached, energization to the making solenoid 534a of the making device 521a is started. Then, the game ball starts to be taken into the insertion passage 526a.

  When the taken game ball flows into the insertion passage 526a (time tC), first, the upstream optical sensor 550a1 of the insertion sensor unit 550a detects the start of passage of the game ball (during passage), and the upstream optical sensor A detection signal (ON signal) is output from 550a1 to main controller 110. Subsequently, the downstream optical sensor 550a2 detects the start (passing) of the game ball, and a detection signal (ON signal) is output from the downstream optical sensor 550a2 to the main controller 110. When the game ball completes passing through the input sensor unit 550a (time tD), the output of the detection signals from the sensors 550a1 and 550a2 is completed, and then reaches the most downstream portion of the input passage 526a (time tE). The throwing downstream proximity sensor 555a detects the start of passing of the game ball (during passing), and a detection signal (ON signal) is output from the throwing downstream proximity sensor 555a to the main controller 110. Then, when the game ball completes passing through the input downstream side proximity sensor 555a, the output of the detection signal from the input downstream side proximity sensor 555a ends.

  Similarly, the game balls are sequentially taken in one by one in the throwing device 521a, and the completion of the passing of the game balls is repeatedly detected by the sensors 550a1, 550a2, and 555a. Then, the remaining game balls to be taken in by the throwing device 521a become one ball, and the last ball starts to pass the upstream optical sensor 550a1 (time tF), and the upstream optical sensor 550a1 starts to pass the game ball. Is detected, the energization to the closing solenoid 534a is stopped. As a result, the nail | claw part 532a of the insertion gate member 530a protrudes, the insertion channel | path 526a is closed, and taking-in of the game ball in the insertion apparatus 521a is stopped.

  For example, when the last ball collides with the wall plate portion 543a of the discharge gate member 540 and the like, and passes through the upstream optical sensor 550a1 while fluttering, and reaches the downstream optical sensor 550a2, the input passage When 526a is closed, the game ball is sandwiched between the discharge gate member 540 and the claw portion 532a of the input gate member 530a, and the ball is clogged. The game ball is detected only by the downstream optical detection sensor 550a2. Is detected (time tG), and the MPU 111 determines that the ball suspension state C has occurred.

  Here, when the return lever 38 is operated by a player or the like (time tH), the sensor shield 546 slides together with the discharge gate member 540, and the sensor shield 546 is detected by the return lever detection switch 38a and returned. A detection signal (ON signal) is output from the lever detection switch 38 a to the main controller 110. In addition, the claw portion 547a of the discharge gate member 540 comes into contact with the game ball that is stuck between the discharge gate member 540 and the claw portion 532a of the input gate member 530a, and the game ball is released, so that the input passage is opened. 526a starts dropping. After that, the game ball that has started to drop completes passing through the downstream optical sensor 550a2 (time tI), reaches the most downstream portion of the input passage 526a, and completes passing through the input downstream proximity sensor 555a (time tJ). .

  That is, the state where the downstream optical sensor 550a2 continues to detect the passing of the game ball ends, and the downstream optical detection sensor 550a2 detects the completion of the passing of the game ball. Then, within the time t1 (eg, 360 ms, eg, a third predetermined time) after the completion of the passing of the gaming ball is detected by the downstream optical detection sensor 550a2, the passing downstream proximity sensor 555a passes the gaming ball within a time t1 (eg, a third predetermined time). Start is detected. This time t1 is the time from when the ball clogging is eliminated until the gaming ball that has been clogged is started to be detected by the throwing downstream proximity sensor 555a.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 16 (b-1) to FIG. 16 (b-3), the state of the gaming machine 1 in an abnormal case where the ball suspension state C is not resolved even if the return lever 38 is operated will be described. To do. Each of FIG. 16 (b-1) to FIG. 16 (b-3) is an example of an operation chart showing the state of the gaming machine 1 when the ball suspension state C is not solved even if the return lever 38 is operated. It is. Note that the example of the operation chart shown in each frame of FIGS. 16B-1 to 16B-3 corresponds to the example of the operation chart shown in the frame of FIG.

  When the return lever 38 is operated after occurrence of the ball suspension state C (time tH), if normal as described above, the state where the downstream optical sensor 550a2 continues to detect the passing of the game ball ends, Completion of the passing of the game ball is detected by the downstream optical sensor 550a2, and then the completion of the passing of the game ball is detected by the throwing downstream proximity sensor 555a. Therefore, conversely, if the output from each sensor 550a1, 550a2, 555a becomes irregular output (output other than the output of FIG. 16A) after the return lever 38 is operated, it is illegal. It is considered that an illegal act described later is performed by the actor, or one of the sensors 550a1, 550a2, and 555a is broken. The irregular output is, for example, the output shown in FIGS. 16 (b-1) to 16 (b-3). The details will be described later, but the outputs of the sensors 550a1, 550a2, and 555a do not change. In other cases, the signal phase is abnormal, or a game ball is not detected by some of the sensors 550a1, 550a2, and 555a.

  First, FIG. 16B-1 will be described. FIG. 16B-1 is an example of an operation chart when the outputs from the sensors 550a1, 550a2, and 555a do not change even when the return lever 38 is operated after the ball suspension state C occurs.

  For example, a fraudster enters a throwing device 521a (that is, the entrance passage 522a or the insertion passage 526a) and passes a game ball that has not been actually thrown (not actually). In some cases, the upstream optical sensor 550a1 and the downstream optical sensor 550a2 are erroneously detected, and an illegal operation (an example of an illegal act) is performed to count that the game ball has been inserted. During such an illegal act, the input passage 526a is closed, and a part of the unauthorized device is fixed between the discharge gate member 540 and the claw portion 532a of the input gate member 530a. Then, game balls that are not actually thrown in (not actually) are continuously detected by the throwing device 521a, and the MPU 111 determines that the ball suspension state C has occurred. That is, the ball suspension state C occurs even when an illegal act is performed.

  Here, for example, even if the return lever 38 is operated, the game ball detected by the throwing device 521a is actually a game ball that does not flow, and no flow occurs, and the outputs from the sensors 550a1, 550a2, and 555a. Does not change. Therefore, as described above, if the output from each sensor 550a1, 550a2, 555a does not change even if the return lever 38 is operated (time tH) after the occurrence of the ball suspension state C, an illegal act is performed. Therefore, using the lamps 6 and 7, the speaker 8, and the liquid crystal display unit 81, it is notified to a hall related person or the like of the amusement hall that there is a possibility of an abnormality or an illegal act. By this notification, hall personnel can recognize that there is a possibility of cheating, so it becomes easier to find cheating and suppress cheating.

  Next, FIG. 16B-2 will be described. FIG. 16B-2 is an example of an operation chart when the phase of the output from each of the sensors 550a1, 550a2, and 555a is abnormal after the return lever 38 is operated.

  As described above, when a fraudulent person uses a fraudulent instrument and performs a fraudulent act, there is actually no gaming ball, but the upstream side optical sensor 550a1 and the downstream side optical sensor 550a2 Since it is erroneously detected, the throwing passage 526a is closed, or after the closing passage 526a is closed, the gaming ball is erroneously detected by the downstream optical sensor 550a2 even though there is actually no gaming ball. Thus, it is determined by the MPU 111 that the ball suspension state C has occurred.

  However, even if the ball suspension state C is reached when an illegal act is performed, there is actually no game ball (sandwiched) between the discharge gate member 540 and the claw portion 532a of the insertion gate member 530a. Therefore, even if the return lever 38 is operated, the output from each sensor 550a1, 550a2, 555a does not change, or the output from each sensor 550a1, 550a2, 555a is not the same as in FIG. Regular output.

  As an irregular output, for example, as shown in FIG. 16 (b-2), after the return lever 38 is operated (time tH), the game ball is passing (starting to pass) in the upstream optical sensor 550a1. And the downstream optical sensor 550a2 continues to erroneously detect that the game ball is passing, and as a result, the detection signal (from both the upstream optical sensor 550a1 and the downstream optical sensor 550a2) ON signal) is continuously output. As described above, after the ball suspension state C occurs, if the output from the sensors 550a1, 550a2, and 555a becomes irregular after the return lever 38 is operated, an illegal act may be performed. Since it is highly probable, the use of the lamps 6 and 7, the speaker 8 and the liquid crystal display unit 81 is used to notify a hall related person or the like of the amusement hall that there is a possibility of occurrence of an abnormality or an illegal act. By this notification, hall personnel can recognize that there is a possibility of cheating, so it becomes easier to find cheating and suppress cheating.

  Next, FIG. 16B-3 will be described. FIG. 16B-3 shows that after the return lever 38 is operated, the output from the upper and lower sensors 550a1 and 550a2 of the closing sensor unit 550a is normal, but the output from the closing downstream proximity sensor 555a changes. It is an example of the operation | movement chart when not carrying out.

  As described above, the ball suspension state C also occurs when the fraudulent person performs a fraud using the above-described fraudulent instrument. For example, if the fraudster knows that the ball suspension state C is canceled by operating the return lever 38, after the ball suspension state C occurs, the sensors 550 a 1 It is considered that an illegal act of detecting completion of the passing of the game ball is performed by 550a2.

  As described above, in the normal ball suspension state C, the completion of the passing of the game ball is detected by the downstream optical sensor 550a2 after the return lever 38 is operated (time tH). Then, after the completion of the passing of the game ball is detected by the downstream optical sensor 550a2, the start of the passing of the game ball is detected by the input downstream proximity sensor 555a within a time t1 (eg, 360 ms, a third predetermined time). Therefore, after the ball suspension state C occurs and the return lever 38 is operated (time tH), if the start of passing the game ball is not detected by the throwing downstream proximity sensor 555a, an illegal act is performed. Or if any of the sensors 550a1, 550a2, 555a is out of order.

  In addition, in the charging passage 526a, there is no mechanism for protruding and retracting the claw portion 532a of the charging gate member 530a at the position where the charging downstream proximity sensor 555a is disposed. Low. Therefore, within the time t1 (for example, 360 ms, the third predetermined time) after the downstream optical detection sensor 550a2 detects the passage of the game ball, the throwing downstream proximity sensor 555a detects the start of the passage of the game ball. If not, fraudulent activity is likely. In addition, since the possibility that the ball clogging occurs is very low, even when the game ball continues to be detected by the insertion downstream side proximity sensor 555a, there is a high possibility that an illegal act is being performed.

  Therefore, when the output from each sensor 550a1, 550a2, 555a becomes irregular after the return lever 38 is operated after the ball suspension state C occurs, the lamps 6, 7, the speaker 8, and the liquid crystal display unit 81 is used to notify that there is a possibility of fraud or that there is an abnormality. By this notification, the player or the hall related person can recognize that there is an abnormality, so that the abnormality can be quickly dealt with, and the game can be prevented from being interrupted for a long time due to the abnormality. Moreover, since the hall related person can recognize that there is a possibility of a fraudulent act, it becomes easy to find the fraudulent act and can suppress the fraudulent act.

  Further, in this embodiment, the input downstream proximity sensor 555a is a magnetic detection sensor, and the upstream optical detection sensor 550a1 and the downstream optical sensor 550a2 are optical sensors. In order to perform the insertion, two sensors having different detection methods must be erroneously detected almost simultaneously. Therefore, since fraudulent acts can be made difficult, fraud countermeasures in the input device 521a can be desirable.

  Further, in this embodiment, after the ball suspension state C occurs and the return lever 38 is operated, the outputs from the sensors 550a1, 550a2, and 555a are irregular ((b-1) to (b− in FIG. 16). 3), the lamps 6 and 7, the speaker 8 and the liquid crystal display unit 81 are used to notify that there is a possibility of fraud or that there is an abnormality. In addition to this, when the ball suspension state C occurs, if the bet switch 35 is pressed, the ball suspension state C is generated, and the ball suspension state C is canceled by operating the return lever 38. You may comprise so that what can be done is alert | reported. By this notification, a player or a person involved in the hall can recognize that the ball suspension state C has occurred, so that the player can quickly deal with the ball suspension state C and can suppress the game from being interrupted for a long period of time. .

  Next, the dispensing device unit 90 will be described with reference to FIGS. As described above, the payout device unit 90 is a device for paying out a predetermined number of game balls associated with award balls or rental balls to the upper plate 36 or the lower plate 41, and mainly includes a tank 910, a tank rail 920, and a case rail. 930 and a payout device 940. FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the entire payout operation unit 90.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the payout device unit 90 is provided with a tank 910 having an upper opening at the top when viewed from the back of the gaming machine 1. The tank 910 is sequentially replenished with game balls supplied from a game ball supply mechanism (not shown) provided in the island facility of the game hall. Below the tank 910, a tank rail 920 having a plurality of game ball passages and gently inclined toward the downstream side is connected, and further, a case rail 930 is connected vertically to the downstream side of the tank rail 920. ing. A payout device 940 composed of two ball payout units 941 is connected to the most downstream portion of the case rail 930, and a required number of game balls are paid out appropriately by the payout device 940. The game ball paid out by the payout device 940 is guided to the upper plate 36 or the lower plate 46 as a ball receiving tray. The payout unit 90 is provided with a payout relay board 948 (see FIG. 19) for relaying a payout instruction signal from the payout control device 210 (see FIG. 21) to the payout device 940. A power switch board (not shown) for taking in is installed.

  The dispensing device unit 90 is formed of a conductive resin material (for example, conductive polycarbonate resin) from the tank 910 to the dispensing device 940, and at least one place is grounded. Thereby, generation | occurrence | production of the noise by charging of a game ball can be suppressed.

  Here, the tank 910, the tank rail 920, and the case rail 930 will be described in detail.

  The tank 910 is formed to be longer in the left-right direction (the direction from the port side to the starboard side in FIG. 17) than in the front-rear direction (the direction from the port side to the starboard side in FIG. 17), and is substantially box-shaped with an upper opening. The game ball is stored in the inside of the box. The tank 910 is formed with a substantially rectangular outlet 911 for leading the game ball to the tank rail 920 on one end side in the left-right direction (the left side in FIG. 17) of the bottom portion. The lead-out port 911 is formed to be approximately equal to the width in the front-rear direction of the tank 910, and the game ball can be smoothly inserted into the tank rail 920 from the lead-out port 911. Further, the bottom portion of the tank 910 is formed to be inclined downward toward the outlet port 911 in order to guide the game ball to the outlet port 911.

  In FIG. 17, although not shown, an emptying prevention switch 221 (see FIG. 21) for detecting the amount of game balls stored is provided on the upstream side of the tank 910. The empty-out prevention switch 221 is configured to be able to detect whether or not game balls are stored up to the upstream side of the tank 910 (whether or not the tank 910 is almost full of game balls). In other words, when a game ball is not detected by the empty cut prevention switch 221, a game ball is supplied from the island facility to the tank 910, and when a game machine is detected by the empty cut prevention switch 221, a game from the island facility is performed. The supply of the sphere is configured to be stopped. Therefore, it is possible to reliably pay out game balls while maintaining a state where game balls are always stored in the tank 910.

  The tank rail 920 is provided with three partition walls 921 extending in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction, the direction from the port side to the right front side in FIG. 17). The three partition walls 921 form four rows. A spherical passage 922 is formed. The four rows of ball passages 922 are each formed to be slightly wider than the diameter of the game balls, reducing the clogging of the game balls in the ball passages 922 and reducing the play of the game balls in the ball passages 922. It is configured as follows. In addition, it is good also as what provides the protrusion etc. for improving the inductivity of a game ball and suppressing a ball clogging in the bottom face of each ball path 922.

  In addition, a rectifying plate 923 is disposed on the tank rail 920 so as to cover the ceiling portion of the downstream end portion (the right front end portion in FIG. 17 and the end portion on the case rail 930 side). On the tank rail 920 side (the port side in FIG. 17) of the rectifying plate 923, a convex portion (not shown) extending in the longitudinal direction is formed. The convex portions of the current plate 923 prevent the game balls flowing down in the tank rail 920 from being stacked up and down, and can smoothly guide them to the downstream side without clogging the game balls. The rectifying plate 923 is configured to be detachable with respect to the tank rail 920. By detaching the rectifying plate 923 from the tank rail 920, maintenance inside the tank rail 920 can be easily performed. Further, the current plate 923 is made of a transparent polycarbonate resin, so that the state of the game ball in the tank rail 920 can be confirmed at the time of maintenance, and the current plate 923 does not have to be removed every maintenance.

  The case rail 930 includes four rows of ball passages 931 a to 931 d corresponding to the four rows of ball passages 922 of the tank rail 920. The ball passages 931a to 931b of the case rail 930 are configured such that two rows and one set of ball passage sets are arranged adjacent to each other so as to correspond to the two ball payout units 941 of the payout device 940. Specifically, a ball passage set including ball passages 931a and 931b provided on the starboard side corresponding to the starboard side ball payout unit 941 in FIG. 17, and a left hand corresponding to the ball payout unit 941 on the left front side in FIG. And a ball passage set including ball passages 931c and 931d provided on the front side. The ball passages 931a to 931d can wait for game balls flowing down from the tank rail 920 and individually guide them to the payout device 940.

  Further, on the upstream side of the case rail 930, a storage amount detection switch 935 for detecting whether or not a game ball is stored in the ball passages 931a to 931d is disposed. The storage amount detection switch 935 includes four storage amount detection switches 935a to 935d corresponding to the ball passages 931a to 931d. The storage amount detection switch 935 is located upstream of the case rail 930 so that at least 20 gaming balls can be stored in the ball passages 931a to 931d on the upstream side of the flickers 944a1 and 944b1 of the payout device 940. On the side. This is because, since the maximum number of payouts per game machine 1 is 75, if 20 or more game balls are stored in each of the ball passages 931a to 931d, the game balls can be paid out. It is. In addition, the storage amount detection switch 935 may detect whether or not a predetermined number or more of game balls are stored in the ball passages 931a to 931d by one switch, and the ball passages 931a and 931b. It is good also as what carries out by two switches dividing into ball path 931c and 931d. Further, the presence or absence of a game ball in the ball passages 931a to 931d may be directly detected, or a movable piece that moves according to the presence or absence of the game ball is provided, and the presence or absence of the game ball is determined based on the operation of the movable piece. It may be detected.

  Next, the payout device 940 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 18 is a perspective view of the payout device 940, and FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of the payout device 940.

  As described above, the payout device 940 includes two ball payout units 941. Each of the ball paying units 941 is covered with a case body 942 made of a transparent resin material, for example, and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape.

  The case body 942 includes a first base portion 942a on the starboard side in FIG. 18, a second base portion 942b on the left front side in FIG. 18 of the first base portion 942a, and a left front side in FIG. 18 in the second base portion 942b. And a cover portion 942c that covers the side surface of the cover. The case body 942 has a three-layer structure in which the first base portion 942a, the second base portion 942b, and the cover portion 942c are integrally assembled by fastening means such as screws. The first base portion 942a, the second base portion 942b, and the cover portion 942c are integrally assembled, and a ball path for flowing down the game ball and a payout mechanism for paying out the game ball are disposed in the ball payout unit 941. A space is formed. The space in which the ball passage and the payout mechanism are disposed is formed by connecting ribs and the like protruding from the first base portion 942a, the second base portion 942b, and the cover portion 942c.

  Specifically, a first ball passage 943a is formed between the first base portion 942a and the second base portion 942b so as to communicate with both upper and lower sides in the case body 942 (upper and lower surfaces in FIG. 18). A first stopping mechanism 944a (see FIG. 19) is disposed on the side of the internal first ball passage 943a. Similarly, a second ball passage 943b is formed between the second base portion 942b and the cover portion 942c, and a second stopping mechanism 944b is disposed on the side of the second ball passage 943a inside the case body 942. (See FIG. 19).

  The first ball passage 943a, the second ball passage 943b, the first stopping mechanism 944a, and the second stopping mechanism 944b are configured in the same shape. Therefore, the ball dispensing unit 941 includes two ball passages 943a and 943b configured in the same shape and two stopping mechanisms 944a and 944b configured in the same shape. In the present embodiment, the first ball passage 943a and the second ball passage 943b are formed in a cylindrical passage having a substantially square cross section, and the diameter of a general game ball is about 11 mm. The length of one side of the ball passages 943a and 943b is set to approximately 12 mm so that a necessary gap is formed between the ball and the ball passages 943a and 943b.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the first spherical passage 943a has an opening 943a1 on the upper surface of the case body 942 (upper surface of FIG. 19), and the left and right directions from the opening 943a1 (direction from the right front side to the port side in FIG. 19). A stationary passage portion 943a2 inclined relatively gently downward, a dispensing passage portion 943a3 communicating with the downstream side of the stationary passage portion 943a2 and extending along a substantially vertical direction (vertical direction in FIG. 19), and a dispensing passage portion 943a3 It is composed of a ball passage portion 943a4 branched from the middle and inclined downward. An opening 943a5 of the payout passage portion 943a3 and an opening portion 943a6 of the ball removal passage portion 943a4 are formed on the lower surface of the case body 942. Similarly to the first ball passage 943a, the second ball passage 943b includes an opening 943b1, a stop passage portion 943b2, a payout passage portion 943b3, a ball discharge passage portion 943b4, and an opening portion 943b5 of the payout passage portion 943b3. It is comprised from the opening part 943b6 of the ball extraction channel | path part 943b4. Therefore, the game balls thrown from the openings 943a1 and 943b1 pass through the stop passages 943a2 and 943b2, the payout passage portions 943a3 and 943b3, the openings 943a5 and 943b5 of the payout passage portions 943a3 and 943b3, or the stop passages. It passes through the openings 943a6 and 943b6 of the ball discharge passage portions 943a4 and 943b4, the ball discharge passage portions 943a4 and 943b4, and the ball discharge passage portions 943a4 and 943b4.

  Here, the stopping mechanisms 944a and 944b will be described in detail. The stop mechanisms 944a and 944b are disposed below the stop passage portions 943a2 and 943b2, beside the payout passage portions 943a3 and 943b3, and above the ball discharge passage portions 943a4 and 943b4. Further, the stopping mechanisms 944a and 944b are configured to be independently driven.

  The stopping mechanisms 944a and 944b are flickers 944a1 and 944b1 as stop means, payout solenoids 944a2 and 944b2 as drive means, and drive transmission means for interlocking the flickers 944a1 and 944b1 and payout solenoids 944a2 and 944b2, respectively. The drive transmission members 944a3 and 944b3 are configured.

  The payout solenoids 944a2 and 944b2 are attached to plungers 944a4 and 944b4 as sliding means protruding downward (downward in FIG. 19), and lower tips of the plungers 944a4 and 944b4, and are integrated with the plungers 944a4 and 944b4. In particular, slide members 944a5 and 944b5 that slide in the vertical direction (upward in FIG. 19) are provided. A coil spring as an elastic member (not shown) is attached to the plungers 944a4 and 944b4, and the plungers 944a4 and 944b4 are pushed downward when the dispensing solenoids 944a2 and 944b2 are not energized (normal time) ( FIG. 20 (a) state). When the dispensing solenoids 944a2 and 944b2 are energized (during driving), the plungers 944a4 and 944b4 are pulled upward (state shown in FIG. 20B). In the present embodiment, a position where the plungers 944a4, 944b4 are pushed down is a first sliding position, and a position where the plungers 944a4, 944b4 are pulled up is a second sliding position.

  The flickers 944a1 and 944b1 are pivotally supported in the vicinity of the payout passage portions 943a3 and 943b3 by a support shaft 945 inserted through the flickers 944a1 and 944b1, respectively. The support shaft 945 passes through the second base portion 943b, is inserted through both the flickers 944a1 and 944b1, and is attached between the first base portion 942a and the cover portion 942c.

  The flickers 944a1 and 944b1 have a substantially arc shape, and a tip portion located above the support shaft 945 is tapered. Openings 943a7 and 943b7 are formed in the side walls in the vicinity of the upper ends of the payout passage portions 943a3 and 943b3. When the flickers 944a1 and 944b1 rotate around the support shaft 945, the flickers are provided via the openings 943a7 and 943b7. The tip ends of 944a1 and 944b1 protrude into the payout passage portions 943a3 and 943b3. With the tip ends of the flickers 944a1 and 944b1 protruding into the payout passage portions 943a3 and 943b3, the game balls cannot pass through the payout passage portions 943a3 and 943b3, and the game balls stop in the stop passage portions 943a2 and 943b2. . The state in which the tip ends of the flickers 944a1 and 944b1 project into the payout passage portions 943a3 and 943b3 is a state in which the game ball is prohibited from passing through the payout passage portions 943a3 and 943b3, and the tip portions of the flickers 944a1 and 944b1 Is not protruding into the payout passage portions 943a3 and 943b3, which means that the game ball is allowed to pass through the payout passage portions 943a3 and 943b3.

  The drive transmission members 944a3 and 944b3 are disposed below the flickers 944a1 and 944b1 (downward in FIG. 19) and are formed in a substantially square shape. The drive transmission members 944a3 and 944b3 are pivotally supported by a support shaft 946 inserted therethrough. Like the support shaft 945, the support shaft 946 passes through the second base portion 942b, is inserted into both the drive transmission members 944a3 and 944b3, and is attached between the first base portion 942a and the cover portion 942c. Yes.

  Engaging recesses 944a6 and 944b6 are formed at the lower end portions (lower end portions in FIG. 19) of the flickers 944a1 and 944b1, and the distal end portions of the drive transmission members 944a3 and 944b3 are engaged with the engaging recesses 944a6 and 944b6. It is joined (free fitting). Further, a long hole (not shown) is formed on the heel side of the engagement recesses 944a6 and 944b6 (the right heel side in FIG. 19), and an engagement pin that protrudes from the tip of the drive transmission members 944a3 and 944b3 to the long hole is provided. It is inserted. With this configuration, the flickers 944a1 and 944b1 rotate in conjunction with the operation of the drive transmission members 944a3 and 944b3.

  Engaging recesses 944a7 and 944b7 are formed at the lower end portions (lower end portion in FIG. 19) of the drive transmission members 944a3 and 944b3. The engaging recesses 944a7 and 944b7 are attached to the plungers 944a4 and 944b4. The front ends of the slide members 944a5 and 944b5 are inserted. Therefore, when the plungers 944a4 and 944b4 move in the vertical direction, the drive transmission members 944a3 and 944b3 operate in conjunction with each other, and as a result, the flickers 944a1 and 944b1 operate in conjunction with each other.

  On the side surface of the case body 942 (the side surface on the left side in FIG. 19), a payout count switch 222 is attached at a position near the tip of the flickers 944a1 and 944b1. The payout count switch 222 is located slightly downstream from the position of the most downstream game ball stopped by the tip of the flicker 944a1, 944b1, and the flicker 944a1, 944b1 rotates to start the flow of the game ball The game ball immediately after being played can be detected.

  The payout count switch 222 includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped main body portion 222a that encloses a substrate and the like and a longitudinal direction of the main body portion 222a (a direction from the left front side to the starboard side in FIG. 19). A transmissive photosensor that includes a light-emitting unit 222b and a first light-receiving unit 222c and a second light-receiving unit 222d that project from both sides in the longitudinal direction of the main body unit 222a so as to face the light-emitting unit 222b. is there. Since the payout count switch 222 includes two light receiving portions 222c and 222d for one light emitting portion 222b, the payout count switch 222 can be downsized.

  On the side surface of the case body 942, an attachment recess 942d into which the payout count switch 222 is fitted, and locking claws 942e1 and 942e2 (see FIG. 20) provided in a pair of upper and lower positions for locking the payout count switch 222, Is provided. The mounting recess 942d includes a recess into which the main body portion 222a of the payout count switch 222 is fitted over the entire lateral direction of the case body 942 (the direction from the left front side to the starboard side in FIG. 19), and the second base portion 942b. Are formed in the first base portion 942a and the cover portion 942c, and the light receiving portions 222c and 222d are fitted in the recesses. Thus, even when the payout count switch 222 is attached, the ball payout unit 941 can be maintained in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape because it is housed in the attachment recess 942d. Further, since the case body 942 can be clamped with the payout count switch 222 attached, the case body 942 can be assembled without using a fastening member such as a screw, and the screw etc. can be loosened. Even so, it is possible to prevent the case body 942 from being easily detached.

  Further, a payout relay board 948 is provided on the side surface of the case body 942 below the payout count switch 222. The payout relay board 948 is electrically connected to the payout count switch 222 via the connector 948a (see FIG. 20) and electrically connected to the two payout solenoids 944a4 and 944b4 via the connector 948b (see FIG. 20). The connector 948c (see FIG. 20) is electrically connected to the payout control device 210 (see FIG. 21). For convenience, electrical wiring is omitted in each drawing. Via this payout relay board 948, the ball payout unit 941 is driven and controlled based on the output signal from the payout control device 210, and the output signal from the payout count switch 222 is input to the payout control device 210 to play the game ball. The number of payouts is counted.

  Switching members 949a and 949b serving as path switching means are disposed at the branch points of the payout path portions 943a3 and 943b3 and the ball passage paths 943a4 and 943b4 of the first and second ball paths 943a and 943b. The switching members 949a and 949b are formed integrally with the switching valve portions 949a1 and 949b1 that function as the flow path side walls of the payout passage portions 943a3 and 943b3 and the ball discharge passage portions 943a4 and 943b4, and the lower ends of the switching valve portions 949a1 and 949b1. The support shaft portions 949a2 and 949b2 and the operation portions 949a3 and 949b3 provided in parallel to the support shaft portions 949a2 and 949b2 on the distal end side of the switching valve portions 949a1 and 949b1.

  The support shaft portions 949a2 and 949b2 are pivotally supported between the first base portion 942a and the second base portion 942b and between the second base portion 942b and the cover portion 942c, respectively. 949a and 949b are configured to be rotationally displaced about the support portions 949a2 and 949b2 as axes. Then, depending on the stop position of the switching members 949a and 949b, one of the payout passage portions 943a3 and 943b3 or the ball removal passage portions 943a4 and 943b4 is brought into a communication state. That is, the switching members 949a and 949b have a payout passage opening position (the state shown in FIG. 20A or the state shown in FIG. 20B) where the game balls flow down along the payout passage portions 943a3 and 943b3, and the payout passage portion 943a3. , 943b3 is prohibited from flowing down the game ball, and is pivotally displaced to the ball release passage opening position (state of FIG. 20 (c)) where the game ball flows down along the ball release passage portions 943a4 and 943b4.

  Further, the support shaft portions 949a2 and 949b2 are configured to be connected via a shaft hole 942b1 provided in the second base portion 942b. In the operation portions 949a3 and 949b3, protrusions 949a4 and 949b4 are formed at the starboard side end portion of FIG. 19, and concave portions 949a5 and 949b5 are formed at the left front side end portion. The protrusion 949b4 of the operation portion 949b3 and the recess 949a5 of the operation portion 949a3 are engaged through a long hole 942b2 formed in the second base portion 942b. As a result, the switching members 949a and 949b are integrally formed. It is comprised so that rotation displacement is possible.

  Further, the protrusion 949a4 of the operation portion 949a3 protrudes outside the ball dispensing unit 941 through a long hole 942a2 provided in the first base portion 942a. The concave portion 949b5 of the operation portion 949b3 protrudes outside the ball dispensing unit 941 through a long hole 942c2 provided in the cover portion 942c. Therefore, when connecting the two ball paying units 941, the protruding portion 949 a 4 protruding from one ball paying unit 941 is engaged with the recess 949 b 5 protruding from the other paying unit 941, and the two ball paying units 941 are engaged. The switching members 949a and 949b are configured to be integrally rotated and displaced.

  As shown in FIG. 18, on the back side (the left front side in FIG. 18) of the gaming machine 1 of the cover portion 942c, a switching operation of the switching members 949a and 949b and a game ball stop releasing operation of the flickers 944a1 and 944b1 are performed. A ball removal operation lever 950 is provided so as to be manually operable. The ball removing operation lever 950 is fixed between a shaft rod 951 (see FIG. 19) attached so as to penetrate the case body 942 and thereby rotates between a first operation position and a second operation position, which will be described later. It is free to move. The ball removal operation lever 950 is formed in a substantially fan shape having a substantially arc shape on the tip side with respect to a fixing portion with the shaft rod 951.

  In addition, a long hole 950a into which the concave portion 949b5 of the operation portion 949b3 of the switching member 949b is inserted is formed at one end portion in the rotation direction (left side of FIG. 18) of the ball removal operation lever 950. Next to the long hole 950a, a substantially flat operation portion 950b extending in the radial direction from the axial center of the ball removal operation lever 950 is projected. By operating the operation portion 950b in the direction along the circumference of the ball removal operation lever 950 (the port side of FIG. 18 and the right front side of FIG. 18), the operation portion 949b3 of the switching member 949b inserted through the long hole 950a is interlocked. The switching members 949a and 949b operate in conjunction with each other. When the ball removal operation lever 950 is in the first operation position (right front side in FIG. 18), the switching members 949a and 949b are located in the payout passage opening position, and the ball removal operation lever 950 is in the second operation position (see FIG. 18 port side), the switching members 949a and 949b operate so as to be positioned at the ball passage passage opening position.

  Further, on the cover portion 942c side of the ball removal operation lever 950, a locking convex portion 950c formed in a substantially hemispherical shape is provided to protrude in order to lock the state in which the ball removal operation lever 950 is rotated. Yes. Corresponding to this locking projection 950c, on the surface of the cover portion 942c, a first engagement recess 942c3 (see FIG. 19) and a second engagement recess 942c4 (see FIG. 19) with which the locking projection 950c can be engaged. For example). When the ball removal operation lever 950 is in the first operation position, the engagement protrusion 950c is engaged with the first engagement recess 942c3, and when the ball removal operation lever 950 is in the second operation position, the engagement protrusion 950c is engaged. The mating convex portion 950c engages with the second engaging concave portion 942c4. Therefore, when the ball removal operation lever 950 is rotated to the first operation position or the second operation position, the engagement convex portion 950c and the engagement concave portions 942c3 and 942c4 are engaged with each other at the respective positions. The extraction operation lever 950 can be locked. That is, the engaging protrusions 950c and the engaging recesses 942c3 and 942c4 are engaged with each other, thereby restricting the loose movement of the switching members 949a and 949b and the flickers 944a1 and 944b1, and stopping and positioning at each position with certainty. Can do.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the back side of the first base portion 942a of the shaft rod 951 supported by the ball removal operation lever 950 (the first base portion 942a on the left front side in FIG. 19 and the cover portion 942c on the starboard side). A connecting bar 952 extending from the axial center of the shaft rod 951 along the radial direction is attached so as to be substantially parallel to the operation portion 950b of the ball removal operation lever 950. A connecting hole 952a into which the operation portion 950b of the ball removing operation lever 950 of another ball paying unit 941 is fitted when the ball paying unit 941 is connected is formed at the front end (radially leading end) of the connecting bar 952. Has been. In addition, a pair of regulating ribs 950d and 950e are provided in the vicinity of the axis of the ball removal operation lever 950. When the ball dispensing unit 941 is coupled, the position of the coupling bar 952 is regulated by the pair of regulating ribs 950d and 950e. That is, when the positions of the ball removal operation levers 950 of one ball dispensing unit 941 and the other ball dispensing unit 941 are different, the restriction ribs 950d and 950e and the connection bar 952 come into contact with each other so that the ball dispensing unit 941 cannot be connected. Has been. Therefore, when the ball paying units 941 are connected, the rotation positions of the ball removal operation levers 950 of the adjacent ball paying units 941 are the same, so the positions of the switching members 949a and 949b and the flickers 944a1 and 944b1 are Each ball payout unit 941 can be reliably linked.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 19, in the case body 942, a space between the first base portion 942 a and the second base portion 942 b is provided below the payout solenoids 944 a 2 and 944 b 2 (below the plungers 944 a 4 and 944 b 4). And the action transmission member 953 is arrange | positioned so that the space between the 2nd base part 942b and the cover part 942c may be straddled. The action transmission member 953 is a member for operating the plungers 944a4 and 944b4 in conjunction with the operation of the ball removal operation lever 950. The action transmitting member 953 includes a main body portion 953a that is pivotally supported between the first base portion 942a and the cover portion 942c, and an operating element that protrudes from the main body portion 953a corresponding to the plungers 944a4 and 944b4. 953b and 953c, and a projecting portion 953d projecting so as to be substantially orthogonal to the operating element 953c in the vicinity of the end of the main body portion 953a on the cover portion 942c side. Further, an operation portion 953e protruding toward the cover portion 942c is provided in the vicinity of the distal end portion of the protruding portion 953d. A long hole 942c5 is formed in the cover portion 942c corresponding to the movement range of the operation portion 953e, and the operation portion 953e of the action transmitting member 953 protrudes outside the ball dispensing unit 941 through the long hole 942c5. ing. Further, the ball removal operation lever 950 is formed with a long hole 950f through which the operation portion 953e is inserted in the vicinity of the opposite end portion of the long hole 950a. Therefore, when the ball removal operation lever 950 is operated, the operation unit 950e operates in conjunction with the ball removal operation lever 950, the action transmitting member 953 rotates, and the operation elements 953c and 953d move the plungers 944a4 and 944b4. Push up. As a result, similarly to the case where the payout solenoids 944a2 and 944b2 are energized, the tip ends of the flickers 944a1 and 944b1 escape from the payout passage portions 943a3 and 943b3, and the game ball can flow down, and the ball discharge passage portion. A game ball is extracted through 943a4 and 943b4.

  Now, at the four corners of the cover portion 942c, boss portions 942c6 projecting outward from the ball dispensing unit 941 are provided, and at the tip of the boss portion 942c6, a projection portion 942c7 is provided. On the other hand, holes (not shown) into which the protrusions 942c7 of the boss 942c6 can be fitted are provided at the four corners of the first base 942a. The connection position of the ball paying unit 941 is determined by the projection 942c7 of the boss 942c6 and the hole of the first base 942a (not shown). The dispensing device 940 is attached by inserting a metal rod (not shown) into a through-hole 954 penetrating the substantially central position of the ball dispensing unit 941 and screwing the metal rod to the tip of the metal rod with a screw member. , Fixed and mounted.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 20, the paying-out operation and the ball removing operation of the game ball of the payout device 940 will be described. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing the operating states of the flickers 944a1 and 944b1 and the switching members 949a1 and 949b1 of the dispensing device 940. FIG. 20A shows a state where the game ball is stopped, FIG. 20B shows a state where the game ball passes through the payout passage portion 943a3, and FIG. 20C shows the game ball. Shows a state of passing through the ball passage portion 943a4. FIG. 20 illustrates the spherical passage 943a out of the spherical passages 943a and 943b. Since the spherical passage 943b operates in the same manner as the spherical passage 943a, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The state of FIG. 20A is a state in which the payout solenoid 944a2 is not energized, the ball removal operation lever 950 is locked at the first operation position (normal time), and the first stopping mechanism 944a is a game. It is in a state that regulates the flow of the sphere. That is, in the first stopping mechanism 944a, the dispensing solenoid 944a2 is de-energized, the plunger 944a4 is pushed downward by the coil spring (not shown), and the flicker 944a1 protrudes into the dispensing passage portion 943a3. Further, the ball removal operation lever 950 is locked at the first operation position, and as a result, the switching member 949a is positioned at the payout passage opening position. That is, the switching member 949a is in a state where the game ball can flow down the payout passage portion 943a3, but the flicker 944a1 is in a state where the game ball cannot flow down.

  When a prize ball is instructed from the main control device 110 or when the player operates the ball lending button 14, the payout solenoid 944a2 is energized and the plunger 944a4 is pulled up under the control of the payout control device 210. In conjunction with this, the drive transmission member 944a3 rotates counterclockwise (counterclockwise in FIG. 20) as viewed from the back side of the gaming machine 1, and the flicker 944a1 rotates clockwise (clockwise in FIG. 20). . When the flicker 944a1 rotates in the clockwise direction, the tip of the flicker 944a1 is in a state of sunk out of the payout passage portion 943a3, and the game ball suppressed by the flicker 944a1 flows down the payout passage portion 943a3, and the upper plate 36 or It is paid out to the lower plate 41 (state shown in FIG. 20B). When the payout count switch 222 detects a predetermined number of game balls to be paid out, the payout solenoid 944a2 is de-energized under the control of the payout control device 210, and the state returns to the state of FIG. finish.

  FIG. 20C shows a state in which the game ball that has stopped in the ball payout unit 941 (stopped upstream from the flicker 944a1) is removed. The ball removal operation is an operation performed after the inspection at the time of shipment of the gaming machine 1 or when an error occurs (at the time of failure). Note that this embodiment can be executed even when the ball dispensing unit 941 is in a non-energized state.

  In order to remove the game ball, first, the ball removal operation lever 950 is rotated counterclockwise as viewed from the back side of the gaming machine 1. Due to the operation of the ball removal operation lever 950, the locking projection 950c is disengaged from the first locking recess 942c3, and the ball removal operation lever 950 rotates counterclockwise from the first operation position.

  In conjunction with the turning operation of the ball removal operation lever 950, the switching member 949a is movably displaced counterclockwise to the ball removal passage opening position, and the plunger 944a4 is pushed up by the operation element 953b of the action transmission member 953. When the plunger 944a4 is pushed up, the tip of the flicker 944a1 is submerged from the inside of the payout passage portion 943a3 as in the state of FIG. 20B, and the game ball can flow down. Therefore, the game ball flowing down in the payout passage portion 943a3 is guided into the ball removal passage portion 943a4 by the switching member 949a, and is guided to a predetermined discharge portion of the island facility. When the ball removal operation lever 950 reaches the second operation position, the engagement convex portion 950c is engaged with the second engagement concave portion 942c4, and the ball removal operation lever 950 is locked at the second operation position.

  When the operation of the ball removal operation lever 950 is started, the flicker 944a1 and the switching member 949a rotate simultaneously. It rotates to the state which can introduce a game ball into part 943b4. Therefore, the ball biting by the switching member 949a can be prevented.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described based on the block diagram of FIG. The main control device 110 is for performing main control of the gaming machine 1. The main controller 110 is equipped with an MPU 111 of a microcomputer, which is an arithmetic processing means. The MPU 111 includes a ROM 112 which is a non-rewritable memory storing control programs and fixed value data, a RAM 113 which is a rewritable memory used as a work memory, a timer circuit, various peripheral control devices, etc. It has a built-in transmission / reception circuit and the like. The processing of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 23 to 38 is stored in the ROM 112 as a part of the control program. Details of the work memory of the RAM 113 will be described later with reference to FIG. A clock circuit (not shown) that outputs a rectangular wave with a predetermined frequency, an input / output port 114, and the like are connected to the MPU 111 via an internal bus or the like. The main control device 110 functions as a main board that performs main control of the gaming machine 1.

  On the input side of the input / output port 114 of the main control device 110, an output signal line 122a of a reset switch 122 provided in a power supply device 120, which will be described later, a start lever detection switch 31a, a latch circuit 132, left, middle, Stop switches 32 to 34 that individually stop the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R that are rotating in the right three rows, a bet switch 35 that allows a player to set a bet (the number of bets), and a return lever detection switch 38a , Two sensors respectively provided in the input sensor units 550a to 550c of the input devices 521a to 521c described above, input downstream side proximity sensors 555a to 555c provided to the input devices 521a to 521c, and a reel index, respectively. Sensors 83L, 83M, 83R, setting key detection switch 133, An output signal line from the dispensing controller 210 which predicates are connected respectively.

  The start lever detection switch 31a is a switch for detecting the operation of the start lever 31, and when the operation of the start lever 31 is detected, the operation is sent to the input / output port 114 of the main controller 110 and a latch circuit 132 described later. A detection signal is output.

  The random number counter update circuit 131 includes a clock having a predetermined frequency and a 16-bit random number counter, and counts up the value of the random number counter by one count every time the clock pulse output from the clock falls, for example. . The random number value of the random number counter is constantly updated in the range of “0 to 65535” by a clock pulse at a high speed that cannot be followed by software control. The updated random number value is always output to the latch circuit 132. In addition to the input / output port 114 described above, the latch circuit 132 is connected to the random number counter update circuit 131 and the start lever detection switch 31a. The latch circuit 132 is configured by a 16-bit storage circuit, and latches a signal (random number value) output from the random number counter update circuit 131 at the operation timing of the start lever 31. That is, the random number value of the random number counter is latched by the latch circuit 132 at the operation timing of the start lever 31. The random value latched by the latch circuit 132 is output to the MPU 111.

  The random number counter update circuit 131 and the latch circuit 132 are mounted on the main controller 110. As the clock of the random number counter update circuit 131, a clock that is asynchronous with the operation clock of the MPU 111 and cannot obtain an interval of 1.49 msec is used. By updating the random number counter at an interval asynchronous with the operation period of 1.49 msec, which is the operation cycle of the main control device 110, an unauthorized substrate called a “hanging substrate” is transferred to the main control device 110 (MPU 111). Even if it is attached to the gaming machine 1 so as to operate in synchronization, the value of the random number counter (random number value) cannot be grasped by the “hanging board”.

  The reel index sensors 83L, 83M, and 83R are for individually detecting the rotation origin positions of the corresponding reels 82L, 82M, and 82R. When the rotation origin positions are detected, the detection signals are detected. Output to the input / output port 114 of the main controller 110. The setting key detection switch 133 is a switch for detecting that a setting key has been inserted into a setting key insertion hole (not shown) and that the setting key has been rotated. The operation detection signal is output to the input / output port 114 of the control device 110.

  On the output side of the input / output port 114 of the main control device 110, there are a display control device 310, an acquired ball number display 11 for displaying the number of acquired balls when a small combination is established, and a special game state such as a big bonus or a regular bonus. The number-of-games display 12 for displaying the number of remaining games, etc., the input solenoids 534a to 534c provided in the input devices 521a to 521c of the input unit 52, and the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R, respectively. Stepping motors 91L, 91M, and 91R that are individually rotated, an external terminal board 134 that transmits information to a hall management device (not shown), and an output signal line and a command signal line to a payout control device 210 described later are connected to each other. Has been.

  The display control device 310 is a control device for driving and controlling the central lamp 6, the side lamp 7, the speakers 8 and 45, and the liquid crystal display unit 81, and is equipped with an MPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like for driving and controlling these. A control board. Then, after receiving a signal (for example, a command) from the main control device 110, the display control device 310 independently controls the driving of the central lamp 6, the side lamp 7, the speakers 8, 45 and the liquid crystal display unit 81. . Therefore, the display control device 310 is a sub-board that performs auxiliary control in relation to the main control device 110 that is a main board that manages and manages games. As described above, the sub-board is provided for the voice, lamp, and display related to indirect games, and the control load is reduced by controlling the sub-board.

  The payout control device 210 is for paying out a prize ball based on an instruction from the main control device 110 and for paying out a rental ball based on an instruction from the card unit 20. The payout control device 210 is equipped with an MPU 211 of a microcomputer that is an arithmetic processing means. The MPU 211 includes a ROM 212 which is a non-rewritable memory storing control programs and fixed value data, a RAM 213 which is a rewritable memory used as a work memory, a timer circuit, various peripheral control devices, and the like. It has a built-in transmission / reception circuit and the like. A clock circuit (not shown) that outputs a rectangular wave with a predetermined frequency, an input / output port 214, and the like are connected to the MPU 211 via an internal bus or the like. The processes of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 39 to 45 are stored in the ROM 212 as a part of the control program. Details of the work memory of the RAM 213 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The input / output port 214 of the payout control device 210 is connected to the idle cut prevention switch 221, the payout count switch 222, the overflow detection switch 223, the payout solenoids 944a2 and 944b2, and the card unit connection board 21, respectively. Yes.

  The empty-out prevention switch 221 is a switch for detecting whether or not a game ball is stored in a tank 910 (see FIG. 4) for storing game balls used for payout. This is because the game ball cannot be paid out when there is no game ball in the storage tank. When the dispense control device 210 detects the absence of the storage tank ball for 200 ms in the “in-use tank ball” state by the output of the empty-out prevention switch 221, the state transitions to “in-the-ball no tank” state. To do. Conversely, when the presence of a storage tank ball is continuously detected for 2000 (= 200 × 10) ms in the state of “without tank ball”, the state transitions to “with tank ball”. As described above, the state transition to “with tank ball” or “without tank ball” is performed when the output of the emptying prevention switch 221 continues for 200 ms or more or 2000 ms or more, so that the game is temporarily stored in the storage tank. It is possible to prevent erroneous detection due to the influence of noise or the like when there is no sphere. In particular, when the transition condition to “with tank ball” is made stricter than the transition condition to “without tank ball”, the “with tank ball” state can be reliably detected. In addition, since the time for detecting the “without tank ball” state is shorter than the time for detecting the “with tank ball” state, the time difference between the tank 910 and the tank rail 920 (FIG. 4). (See) can secure a game ball.

  The payout count switch 222 is a switch for counting the paid game balls. As described above, in order to shorten the payout time of game balls, four payout passages (two first ball passages 943a and two second ball passages 943b) are provided, and the four payouts are provided. Each is done via a passage. Further, as described above, the payout count switch 222 includes the first light receiving portion 222c and the second light receiving portion 222d so as to face the one light emitting portion 222b. One is provided.

  The overflow detection switch 223 is a switch for detecting whether or not the lower tray 41 is full with the paid out game balls. This is because even if the game balls are further paid out in a state where the lower plate 41 is full, the game balls overflow into the payout passage or the like and the game balls cannot be paid out. When the discharge control device 210 continuously detects that the lower plate 41 is not full in the “bottom full” state by the output of the overflow detection switch 223, the state is “no lower plate ball”. Transition to. On the contrary, when the full tank of the lower plate 41 is continuously detected for 200 ms in “without bottom pan ball”, the state transitions to “under full bottom pan”. As described above, when the output of the overflow detection switch 223 continues for 200 ms or more, the state transition to “bottom pan full” or “bottom pan no longer” is performed. It is possible to prevent erroneous detection or erroneous detection due to the influence of noise or the like.

  The storage amount detection switches 935a to 935d are switches for detecting whether or not a game ball is stored in the ball passages 931a to 931d (see FIG. 4) of the case rail 930. The payout control device 210 detects the absence of a ball in any of the ball passages 931a to 931d for 200 ms in the state of “with game ball” by the output of the storage amount detection switches 935a to 935d. Transition to “Non-game ball”. On the other hand, when the presence of balls in all the ball passages 931a to 931d is continuously detected for 2000 (= 200 × 10) ms in the state of “without game balls”, the state transitions to “with game balls”. To do. In this way, when the output of the storage amount detection switches 935a to 935d continues for 200 ms or more or 2000 ms or more, the state transition to “with game ball” or “without game ball” is performed, so that the ball paths 931a to 931d. It is possible to prevent erroneous detection due to the influence of noise or the like when the game ball temporarily disappears. In particular, by making the transition condition to “with a game ball” stricter than the transition condition to “with no game ball”, it is possible to reliably detect the “with game ball” state. In addition, since the time for detecting the “with game ball” state is longer than the time for detecting the “without game ball” state, the time difference, the game balls are placed in the ball passages 931a to 931d. Can be secured.

  The payout solenoids 944a2 and 944b2 are actuators for starting payout of game balls. When the payout solenoids 944a2 and 944b2 are energized, the flickers 944a1 and 944b1 (see FIG. 19) operate to open the payout passage portions 943a3 and 943b3 (see FIG. 19), and the game balls are paid out. A total of four payout solenoids 944a2 and 944b2 are provided in each of the four payout passages.

  The card unit connection board 21 is a relay board for connecting the payout control device 210 and the card unit 20 to each other. The card unit 20 exchanges data and the like with the payout control device 210 via the card unit connection board 21. In addition to the card unit 20, the card unit connection board 21 includes a ball lending button 14 that prompts the player to pay out a lending ball, a return button 15 that prompts the return of the card inserted into the card unit 20, and the card unit 20. A frequency indicator 16 for displaying remaining amount information such as a card inserted in the card is connected.

  The power supply device 120 includes a power supply unit 121 that supplies driving power to each electronic device of the gaming machine 1 including the main control device 110, a reset switch 122, a backup power supply unit 123, and a power failure monitoring circuit 124. . The reset switch 122 is a switch for canceling an error that has occurred in the gaming machine 1. When the reset switch is operated, a reset signal 122a is output to each control device including the main control device 110 and the payout control device 210, and initialization is performed in each control device. This initialization cancels the error that has occurred.

  The backup power supply unit 123 is for supplying a backup voltage to the main controller 110 even after the gaming machine 1 is powered off. Therefore, main controller 110 can retain the data in RAM 113 by receiving the backup voltage from backup power supply unit 123 even when the power is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the power switch being turned off.

  The power failure monitoring circuit 124 monitors the power shut-off state and outputs a power failure signal 124a when a power failure occurs or when the power is shut off due to the power switch being turned off. The power failure monitoring circuit 124 monitors a stabilized drive voltage of, for example, DC 12 volts output from the power supply unit 121, and determines that the power is shut off when the drive voltage drops below, for example, 10 volts. It is configured to output 124a. The power failure signal 124a is output to the NMI terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) of the MPU 111, and the MPU 111 executes a power failure process described later by inputting this power failure signal. The power supply unit 121 is configured to output a stabilized voltage of 5 volts used as a drive voltage in a control system such as the main controller 110 even when the output voltage is reduced to less than 10 volts. As the time during which the stabilization voltage is output, sufficient time is secured to execute the power failure process by the main controller 110.

  The power failure monitoring circuit 124 may be provided in the main controller 110 instead of the power supply device 120. Further, the power failure signal 124 a output from the power failure monitoring circuit 124 may be output not only to the NMI terminal of the MPU 111 but also to the input / output port 114 of the main controller 110. In this case, the MPU 111 turns on the power failure flag 113h by the power failure signal 124a input to the NMI terminal. Then, during the power failure process executed by turning on the power failure flag 113h, the state of the power failure signal 124a input via the input / output port 114 is monitored, and the power failure signal 124a is still output. The power failure process may be continued. On the other hand, if the power failure signal 124a has already been turned off, the power failure flag 113h may be turned off to stop the power failure process. According to such a configuration, even when the output of the power failure signal 124a is unstable due to some state, the gaming machine 1 can be stably controlled without frequently performing the power failure process.

  Next, each memory provided in the RAM 113 of the main control device 110 and the RAM 213 of the payout control device 210 will be described with reference to FIG. The RAM 113 is provided with various memories, flags, counters, and the like shown in FIG. 22A, and the RAM 213 is provided with various memories, flags, counters, and the like shown in FIG.

  First, various memories, flags, and counters provided in the RAM 113 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The success / failure random number memory 113a is a memory for storing a random number value for determining a combination corresponding to the started game. It is determined by the value stored in the success / failure random number memory 113a which winning combination is won or missed. Of the random number values output from the random number counter update circuit 131, the random number value latched in the latch circuit 132 by the operation of the start lever 31 is written in the random number memory 113a (S210 in FIG. 24). In the lottery process (S211 in FIG. 25) to be described later, the MPU 111 performs lottery of the role in light of the random number value stored in the acceptance random number memory 113a against a random number table selected based on various conditions, It is determined whether or not the winning combination corresponding to the random number value (whether the winning combination is to be won or missed) and, if the winning combination is a winning combination, the type of winning combination to be won.

  Next, the bonus game will be described prior to the description of the RB winning flag 113b, the RB setting flag 113c, the BB winning flag 113d, the BB setting flag 113e, the remaining JAC establishment number counter 113f, and the remaining JAC game number counter 113g. There are two types of bonus games, a regular bonus (hereinafter referred to as “RB”) game and a big bonus (hereinafter referred to as “BB”) game.

  The RB game is composed of 12 JAC games. The JAC game is a game (game) that is started only when five game balls are inserted, and a game with a very high probability that JAC symbols (for example, “replay” symbols) are aligned on the active line, that is, a JAC symbol is established. It is. When a JAC symbol is established in a JAC game, the maximum number (75 in this case) of game balls is paid out. When the JAC symbol is established 8 times, the RB game is ended even before the JAC game reaches 12 times.

  On the other hand, the BB game is composed of a plurality of small role games and a plurality of JAC ins. The small role game is a game in which a small role is won with high probability (for example, “bell” symbols and the like are arranged on the active line). “JAC in” means that 12 JAC games are entered, and JAC in symbols (for example, “replay” symbols. In this embodiment, the same as the JAC symbols) are aligned on the active line during the small role game. JAC Inn is established. The JAC game is the same as that of the RB game. Further, when the total number of game balls to be paid out in the BB game becomes equal to or greater than the predetermined total amount to be paid out, the BB game ends regardless of whether or not the JAC game is in JAC in.

  The RB winning flag 113b is a flag that is turned on when an RB game is won by lottery processing (S211 in FIG. 25), and the RB setting flag 113c is a flag that is turned on when the RB game is established. . That is, the RB setting flag 113c is turned on when the RB symbols are aligned in a state where the RB winning flag 113b is turned on. When the RB setting flag 113c is turned on, the RB winning flag 113b is turned off. When the RB game ends, the RB setting flag 113c is turned off.

  Similarly, the BB winning flag 113d is a flag that is turned on when the BB game is won by lottery processing (S211 in FIG. 25), and the BB setting flag 113e is turned on when the BB game is established. Flag. That is, the BB setting flag 113e is turned on when the BB symbols are aligned in a state where the BB winning flag 113d is turned on. When the BB setting flag 113e is turned on, the BB winning flag 113d is turned off. When the BB game ends, the BB setting flag 113e is turned off.

  The remaining JAC establishment number counter 113f is a counter that stores the remaining number of JAC symbols that can be established in the RB game or in the JAC in BB game. In the remaining JAC establishment number counter 113f, 8 is set as an initial value, and the value is subtracted by 1 every time the JAC symbol is established. When the value of the remaining JAC establishment number counter 113f becomes 0, the JAC game in the RB game or the BB game is ended. The remaining JAC game number counter 113g is a counter that stores the number of remaining JAC games in the RB game or the JAC game in the BB game. The remaining JAC game number counter 113g is set to 12 as an initial value, and the value is decremented by 1 every time the JAC game is executed. When the value of the remaining JAC game number counter 113g becomes 0, the JAC game in the RB game or the BB game ends.

  The power failure flag 113h is a flag for notifying that a power failure has occurred or that the gaming machine 1 is powered off. When the power of the gaming machine 1 is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, a power failure signal 124a is output from the power failure monitoring circuit 124 to the MPU 111 of the main controller 110. When the MPU 111 receives the power failure signal 124a, the MPU 111 executes an NMI interrupt process (see FIG. 37), and as a result, the power failure flag 113h is turned on. When the power failure flag 113h is turned on, a power failure process (S920 in FIG. 36) is executed in the timer interruption process (see FIG. 35). Once the power failure flag 113h is turned on, the power failure flag 113h is turned off in the power recovery process (S110 to S117) of the power-on process (see FIG. 23).

  The remaining payout number counter 113i is a counter that stores the payout number of game balls instructed from the main control device 110 to the payout control device 210 by a prize ball command. When the payout control device 210 pays out a game ball, a payout count signal is output from the payout control device 210 to the main control device 110. Main controller 110 decrements the value of remaining payout number counter 113i by 1 each time a rising pulse of the payout count signal is detected. In the power-on process (see FIG. 23), if the value of the remaining payout number counter 113i is not 0, a prize ball command corresponding to the value is transmitted to the payout control device 210, and payout is incomplete before the power is shut off. The finished game ball is paid out when the power is turned on.

  The thrown-in number counter 113j is a counter that stores the number of game balls thrown into the gaming machine 1 by the game ball throwing process (S201 in FIG. 24). When the value of the inserted number counter 113j becomes 15 in the normal game and 5 in the JAC game, a new game can be started. When the game is started by operating the start lever 31, the value of the inserted number counter 113j is cleared to 0 (S210 in FIG. 24).

  The total thrown number counter 113k is a counter that stores the total number of game balls thrown by the game ball throwing process of that time. In the normal game, the value of the 15-inserted number counter 113j is set in the total inserted number counter 113k, and in the JAC game, the value of the 5-inserted number counter 113j is set. The value of the total inserted number counter 113k is decremented by 1 every time it is confirmed that a game ball has been inserted, and when this value becomes 0, the game ball insertion process ends.

  The scheduled loading number counter 113m is a counter that stores the scheduled loading number in each of the loading devices 521a to 521c. The first to third counters 113m1 to 113m3 are provided corresponding to the three charging devices 521a to 521c, respectively. The first item corresponds to the charging device 521a, the second item corresponds to the charging device 521b, and the third item corresponds to the charging device 521c. The value of the estimated number-of-insertion counter 113m is set by the number-of-inputs distribution process (S813 in FIG. 31), and the value is subtracted by the input execution process (S816 in FIG. 32). When the value of the planned number-of-inputs counter 113m becomes 0, the input process for that item is completed.

  The input item pointer 113n is a pointer for designating the first item to the third item input item (input devices 521a to 521c). It is updated in the range of 1, 2, 3 in conjunction with Article 1 to Article 3. The input number distribution process (S813 in FIG. 31) and the input execution process (S816 in FIG. 32) are performed for each input device 521a to 521c by designating the value of the input item pointer 113n.

  The insertion retry flag 113o is a flag for storing whether or not the insertion devices 521a to 521c can perform a game ball insertion operation. The first to third flags 113o1 to 113o3 are provided corresponding to the three charging devices 521a to 521c, respectively. If the input retry flag 113o is turned on, the input operation is possible, and if it is off, the input operation is impossible. The insertion retry flag 113o is all turned on once at the start of the game ball insertion process (S201 in FIG. 30). Then, as the execution process (S816 in FIG. 32) proceeds, the flags 113o1 to 113o3 of the input devices 521a to 521c that have become impossible to perform the input operation are sequentially turned off. When the all-items insertion retry flag 113o is turned off, the game ball insertion process for that time (S201 in FIG. 30) ends.

  The closing solenoid operation flag 113p is a flag for instructing to turn on or off the closing solenoids 534a to 534c. First to third flags 113p1 to 113p3 are provided corresponding to the three charging devices 521a to 521c, respectively. If the making solenoid operation flag 113p is on, the corresponding making solenoids 534a to 534c are turned on by the processing of S818, the making gate members 530a to 530c are operated, and the making passages 526a to 526c are opened. The ball can be thrown in. On the other hand, if the making solenoid operation flag 113p is off, the corresponding making solenoids 534a to 534c are turned off by the processing of S818, the making gate members 530a to 530c are operated, and the making passages 526a to 526c are closed. , Throwing of game balls is prohibited.

  The throwing game ball counter 113q includes a throwing sensor unit 550a, a time elapsed after the throwing gate members 530a to 503c are operated and the throwing passages 526a to 526c are opened (hereinafter referred to as “first time (putting side)”). The time that has elapsed since the start of input was detected by ~ 550c (hereinafter referred to as "second time (input side)"), or the first time (input side) or second time (input side) has the longest waiting time. This is a counter that stores a value corresponding to a time elapsed after reaching (timeout time) (hereinafter referred to as “third time (input side)”). The maximum waiting time until the first game ball is detected by the insertion sensor units 550a to 550c after the insertion gate members 530a to 530c are operated to open the insertion passages 526a to 526c (hereinafter referred to as “first timeout time ( ) ”Is 360 ms, and the maximum waiting time until the start of the next game ball is detected by the input sensor units 550a to 550c (hereinafter referred to as“ the input side ”) is 360 ms. , Referred to as “second timeout time (input side)”) is 300 ms, and the maximum waiting time until the input execution process (S816 in FIG. 32) ends after the first timeout time and the second timeout time have elapsed. (Hereinafter referred to as “waiting time after timeout (input side)”) is 100 ms. In the present embodiment, a count value corresponding to 360 ms of the first timeout time is set in the process of S835 in FIG. 31, and a count value corresponding to 300 ms of the second timeout time is set in the process of S864 in FIG. A count value corresponding to the later standby time (input side) of 100 ms is set in the process of S877 in FIG. The value of the input game ball counter 113q is updated (subtracted) every time the counter subtraction process (S867) in the input execution process shown in FIG. 32 is executed. Further, first to third throwing game ball counters 113q1 to 113q3 are provided corresponding to the three throwing devices 521a to 521c, respectively.

  The insertion prohibition timer 113r is a timer for counting a wait time for waiting for the subsequent processing when the game ball on the upper plate 36 is discharged to the lower plate 41 by operating the return lever 38. When the operation of the return lever 38 is detected, 370 ms is set in the insertion prohibition timer 113r, and the subsequent processing is waited until the value of the timer 113r becomes zero. If a throwing-in operation or the like is performed immediately after the return operation of the game ball, the operation may not be performed normally. Therefore, it waits for the return operation to be completed completely. The value of the insertion prohibition timer 113r is updated by the timer interrupt process shown in FIG.

  The insertion timer interrupt execution flag 113s is a flag indicating that the timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 35 has been executed. If the throw execution process (S816 in FIG. 32) is continuously performed on the same item, the throwing of one game ball may be erroneously detected as two or more throws. Therefore, the insertion timer interrupt execution flag 113s is provided so that one entry execution process (S816 in FIG. 32) is executed once for each execution of the timer interrupt process. Specifically, the input timer interrupt execution flag 113s is turned on every time the timer interrupt process is executed. Only when the insertion timer interrupt execution flag 113s is turned on, the insertion execution process (S816 in FIG. 32) can be started, and at the time of starting, the insertion timer interrupt execution flag 113s is turned off.

  The payout prohibition flag 113t is a flag indicating whether or not all game balls are paid out in the gaming machine 1 or whether or not game balls are paid out. When the return lever 38 is operated in the gaming machine 1, a standby fraud determination process (see FIG. 33) or a throw-in fraud determination process (see FIG. 34) is executed. The payout prohibition flag 113t is set to ON (for example, “1”) when it is determined by each of the processes that there is a high possibility that an illegal act has been performed, and there is a possibility that an illegal act has been performed. When it is determined to be low, it is set to off (for example, “0”). When the payout prohibition flag 113t is off (for example, “0”), when the return lever 38 is operated, the game balls that have been inserted are paid out by the payout control device 210, but the payout prohibition flag 113t is on (for example, , “1”), the game ball payout and the start of a new game are both prohibited. That is, even if the return lever 38 is operated, the game ball is not paid out, and no new game is started even if the start lever 31 is operated.

  The game ball detection timer 113u is a memory in which a value corresponding to the time elapsed after the return lever 38 is operated is stored. When the return lever 38 is operated, an initial value (for example, 1 second or 3 seconds) is set in the game ball detection timer 113u. Thereafter, the value of the game ball detection timer 113u is sequentially subtracted according to the elapsed time until the value reaches 0 seconds (see FIGS. 33 and 34).

  Next, various memories, flags, and counters provided in the RAM 213 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The command reception flag 213a is turned on when the payout control device 210 receives a command transmitted from the main control device 110, the card unit 20, or the like (S1502 in FIG. 45), and the command is received in the timer interrupt process (see FIG. 43). This flag is turned off (S1303) when reception is confirmed.

  The payout state counter 213b determines whether the state in which the payout control device 210 pays out the game ball is a state in which the payout ball command is sent from the main control device 110, or a lending payout request signal (command) sent from the card unit 20 ) Is a counter for storing whether the state is paid out or not. In this embodiment, if the value of the payout state counter 213b is “1”, it is a state of paying out a prize ball, and if the value of the payout state counter 213b is “2”, the state of paying out a rental ball. It is.

  The prize ball number counter 213c is a counter that stores the number of game balls to be paid out according to the prize ball command transmitted from the main controller 110. In the present embodiment, the number of payouts according to the prize ball command transmitted from the main control device 110 is in the range of 5 to 75, and varies depending on the winning combination of the game. The number of payouts according to the prize ball command is set to 1 to 4 depending on the number of game balls that have not been paid out when the game ball has been paid out due to a power failure or the like. There is also a case.

  The total payout number counter 213d is a counter that stores the total number of game balls to be paid out by the game ball payout process of that time. When paying out by a winning ball command, the value of the winning ball number counter 213c is stored (S1203 in FIG. 40), and when paying out by a lending payout request, “25” is stored (S1204 in FIG. 40). ). In the present embodiment, the value stored in the total payout number counter when paying out according to the rental ball payout request is “25”. This is because the number of game balls to be paid out when the ball lending button 14 (see FIG. 1) is operated once is 25. Therefore, when the number of game balls to be paid out when the ball lending button 14 is operated once, the value corresponding to the different number of game balls may be stored. Further, a value of 25 × n may be stored according to the number n of times the ball lending button 14 is operated.

  The planned payout number counter 213e is a counter that stores the planned payout numbers in a total of four ball paths including the first ball path 943a and the second ball path 943b of the two ball payout units 941. First to fourth counters 213e1 to 213e4 are provided corresponding to the four ball paths, respectively. Article 1 corresponds to the first ball passage 943a on the front side of the gaming machine 1 (the starboard side in FIG. 18), Article 2 corresponds to the second ball passage 943b on the front side of the gaming machine 1, and Article 3 corresponds to the game. Corresponding to the first ball passage 943a on the back side of the machine 1 (left front side in FIG. 18), the fourth article corresponds to the second ball passage 943b on the back side of the gaming machine 1. The value of the scheduled payout number counter 213e is set by the payout number distribution process (S1215 in FIG. 41), and the value is subtracted by the payout execution process (S1218 in FIG. 42). When the value of the scheduled payout number counter 213e becomes 0, the payout process for the item ends.

  The payout item pointer 213f is a pointer for designating the first to fourth ball paths 943a and 943b. It is updated in the range of 1, 2, 3, 4 in conjunction with Article 1 to Article 4. The payout number distribution process (S1215 in FIG. 41) and the input execution process (S1218 in FIG. 42) are performed for each of the first to fourth ball paths 943a and 943b by designating the value of the payout item pointer 213f. Is called.

  The payout retry flag 213g is a flag for storing whether or not the game ball can be paid out in the first to fourth ball paths 943a and 943b. Corresponding to the four ball passages 943a and 943b, first to fourth flags 213g1 to 213g4 are provided, respectively. If the payout retry flag 213g is on, the payout operation is possible, and if it is off, the payout operation is impossible. The payout retry flag 213g is all turned on once at the start of the game ball payout process (S1108 in FIG. 39). Then, as the payout execution process (S1218 in FIG. 42) proceeds, the flags 213g1 to 213g4 corresponding to the ball paths 943a and 943b in which the payout operation is impossible are sequentially turned off. When the all-item payout retry flag 213g is turned off, the game ball payout process for that time (S1108 in FIG. 40) ends.

  The payout solenoid operation flag 213h is a flag for instructing to turn on or off the payout solenoids 944a and 944b. First to fourth flags 213h1 to 213h4 are provided corresponding to the payout solenoids 944a and 944b provided in the four ball passages 943a and 943b, respectively. If the payout solenoid operation flag 213h is on, the corresponding payout solenoids 944a and 944b are turned on by the processing of S1221, the flickers 944a1 and 944b1 are operated, and the payout passage portions 943a3 and 943b3 are opened. As a result, the game ball Is allowed to be paid out. On the other hand, if the dispensing solenoid operation flag 213h is off, the corresponding dispensing solenoids 944a and 944b are turned off by the processing of S1221, the flickers 944a1 and 944b1 are operated, and the dispensing passage portions 943a3 and 943b3 are closed. Dispensing of game balls is prohibited.

  The payout game ball counter 213i pays out by the payout count switch 222 during the time elapsed after the flickers 944a1 and 944b1 are operated and the ball passages 943a and 943b are opened (hereinafter referred to as “first time (payout side)”). Time that has elapsed since the start was detected (hereinafter referred to as “second time (payout side)”), or the first time (payout side) or the second time (payout side) has the longest waiting time (timeout time) ) Is a counter that stores a value corresponding to the time elapsed after reaching () (hereinafter referred to as “third time (payout side)”). The maximum waiting time from when the flickers 944a1 and 944b1 are operated to open the ball paths 943a and 943b until the first game ball is detected by the payout count switch 222 (hereinafter referred to as “first timeout time (payout side)”). 360 ms, and the maximum waiting time (hereinafter referred to as “second timeout time (payout)” until the payout count switch 222 detects the start of payout and the payout count switch 222 detects the start of payout of the next game ball. Side))) is 300 ms, and the maximum waiting time until the payout execution process (S1218 in FIG. 42) ends after the first timeout time and the second timeout time have elapsed (hereinafter, “wait after timeout”). The time (referred to as “dispensing side”) is 100 ms. In the present embodiment, the count value corresponding to the first timeout time of 360 ms is set in the processing of S1235 in FIG. 41, and the count value corresponding to 300 ms of the second timeout time is set in the processing of S1257 in FIG. The count value corresponding to the later standby time of 100 ms is set in the processing of S1265 in FIG. The value of the payout game ball counter 213i is updated (subtracted) every time the counter subtraction process (S1260) in the payout execution process shown in FIG. 42 is executed. Further, corresponding to the four ball passages 943a and 943b, first to fourth payout game ball counters 213i1 to 213i3 are provided.

  The payout timer interrupt execution flag 213j is a flag indicating that the timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 43 has been executed. If the payout execution process (S1218 in FIG. 42) is continuously performed on the same item, payout of one game ball may be erroneously detected as two or more payouts. Therefore, the timer interrupt execution flag 213j is provided so that the four items of execution execution processing (S1218 in FIG. 42) are executed once for each execution of the timer interrupt processing. Specifically, the timer interrupt execution flag 213j is turned on every time the timer interrupt process is executed (S1315 in FIG. 43). Only when the timer interrupt execution flag 213j is turned on, the making execution process (S1218 in FIG. 42) can be started, and at the start, the timer interrupt execution flag 213j is turned off.

  The ball presence flag 213k is a state in which a predetermined number or more of game balls are stored in the ball passages 931a to 931d of the case rail 930 or a state in which a predetermined number or more of game balls are not stored in the ball passages 931a to 931d. This is a flag for storing the above. The ball presence flag 213k is turned on when 2000 ms has elapsed after all the storage amount detection switches 935a to 935d are turned on (S1403 in FIG. 44), and any one of the storage amount detection switches 935a to 935d is turned off. This flag is turned off when 200 ms or more have elapsed (S1405 in FIG. 44). When the ball presence flag 213k is on, execution of the game ball payout process (S1108 in FIG. 40) is started. In the present embodiment, as described above, the predetermined number of game balls is 80, because the maximum number of payouts at one time is 75.

  Next, each process executed by main controller 110 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a power-up process that is executed after power-on in main controller 110. The power-on process is executed when power is turned on by recovery from a power failure or by turning on a power switch.

  First, a stack pointer value is set, and an interrupt mode for executing interrupt processing is set. Thereafter, initialization processing such as various settings for the register group of the MPU 111 and the I / O device is executed (S101). When these initialization processes (S101) are completed, a wait process for a predetermined time is executed (S102) in order to adjust the startup timing with the other control devices 210 and 310.

  After execution of the weight process (S102), it is determined whether or not the setting key is inserted into the setting key insertion hole and operated (S103). When the setting key is operated (S103: Yes), a setting change process is performed (S104). In the setting change process (S104), first, all data stored in the RAM 113 is cleared, and then, among the six preset setting states (“Setting 1” to “Setting 6”), the setting key is operated. After determining which setting state has been selected, internal processing corresponding to the selected setting state is executed. After executing the setting change process (S104), the normal process (S105) of FIG. 24 is executed.

  If the setting key is not operated in the process of S103 (S103: No), it is confirmed whether or not the setting value obtained by the previously executed setting change process (S104) is maintained normally (S106). If it is normal (S106: Yes), it is confirmed whether or not the power failure flag 113h is turned on (S107). If the power failure flag 113h is turned on (S107: Yes), it is further confirmed whether or not the RAM determination value is normal (S108). Specifically, the checksum value in the RAM 113 is checked, and it is confirmed whether the value is normal, that is, whether the checksum value including the RAM determination value is 0 (S108). If the checksum value including the RAM determination value is 0 (S108: Yes), it is determined that the data in the RAM 113 is normal. Therefore, in this case, that is, when the power failure flag 113h is on and the RAM 113 determination value is normal, it means that the power failure process at the time of the previous power interruption (S920 in FIG. 36) has been completed normally. Then, the process proceeds to S110, and a power recovery process is executed (S110 to S117).

  On the other hand, in the process of S106, when the setting value set by the setting change process (S104) is abnormal (S106: No), when the power failure flag 113h is off (S107: No), the RAM judgment value is If it is abnormal (S108: No), some abnormality has occurred at the time of the previous power shutdown. Therefore, in such a case, an error display process is executed (S109), and the occurrence of the error is notified to the hall related persons in the game hall. In this case, the hall personnel in the game hall turn off the power of the gaming machine 1 and then turn on the power again with the setting key inserted, so that the error is cleared. As described above, when the power is turned on again with the setting key operated (S103: Yes), the setting change process (S104) is executed and the contents of the RAM 113 are cleared. As a result, the error is canceled and the gaming machine 1 returns to the normal state.

  In the power recovery process from S110, the stack pointer value stored in the RAM 113 is written to the stack pointer of the MPU 111 during the power failure process (S920 in FIG. 36), and the stack state is changed to the state before power-off. Return (S110). Next, an internal state command (recovery command) that informs the execution of the power recovery process is transmitted to the payout control device 210 and the display control device 310 (S111). After that, a stop setting saving process is performed as a gaming state (S112), and initialization of a memory for storing states of sensors provided in the start lever detection switch 31a and the input sensor units 550a to 550c, that is, initialization of various sensors is performed. (S113) and the power failure flag 113h is turned off (S114).

  The value of the remaining payout number counter 113i is confirmed (S115). If the value is 0 (S115: Yes), the process proceeds to S117. On the other hand, if the value of the remaining payout number counter 113i is not 0 (S115: No), the payout control is executed so as to pay out the game ball having the value stored in the remaining payout number counter 113i by executing the prize ball command setting process. A prize ball command to be transmitted to the apparatus 210 is set (S116).

  In the process of S117, a return instruction is executed. As a result, a jump is made to the address stored in the stack memory before the power is shut off. Specifically, the process jumps to a watchdog timer clear process (S903) of a timer interrupt process (see FIG. 35) described later. Thereby, the timer interruption process is executed, and the prize ball command set in the prize ball command setting process is transmitted to the payout control device 210 by the port output process (S913 in FIG. 35), and the prize ball command is also sent. The game ball is paid out by the payout control device 210 that has received.

  When the paid-out game ball is detected by the payout control device 210, a payout count signal is output from the payout control device 210 to the main control device 110. Each time the main controller 110 detects the rising pulse of the payout count signal, it confirms the payout of one game ball and subtracts the value of the remaining payout number counter 113i by one. The payout count signal is detected by the sensor monitoring process (S907) of the timer interrupt process (FIG. 35), and the value of the remaining payout number counter 113i is subtracted by the timer subtraction process (S908).

  Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 24, the normal process (S105) which performs main control regarding a game is demonstrated. The normal process constitutes a main process executed by the MPU 111 of the main control device 110.

  In the normal process, first, a game ball insertion process (see FIG. 30) for performing a game ball insertion as a game start condition is executed (S201). The game can be started on the condition that 15 game balls are inserted in the normal game, and on the condition that 5 game balls are inserted in the JAC game. The game ball throwing process (S201) is a process for throwing 15 or 5 game balls stored in the upper plate 36 into the gaming machine 1 according to the gaming state of the gaming machine 1. This game ball insertion process will be described later.

  After the game ball insertion process (S201) is executed, it is determined whether the return lever 38 has been operated by the player or the like (S202). When the operation of the return lever 38 is not detected by the return lever detection switch 38a (S202: No), the process of S853 to S205 is skipped and the process proceeds to S206.

  On the other hand, when the operation of the return lever 38 is detected by the return lever detection switch 38a (S202: Yes), a standby fraud determination process (see FIG. 33) is executed (S853). Although the details will be described later, in the standby fraud determination process (S853), whether or not an illegal act is performed when the insertion of a game ball has been completed or stopped, or when the insertion of a game ball has not started. It is a process for determining. Normally, after the return lever 38 is operated, the ball suspension states A, B, and C are canceled. Therefore, in the standby fraud determination process (S853), whether the ball suspension states A, B, and C have occurred. When the ball suspension states A, B, and C are confirmed, it is determined that an illegal act is being performed, and the payout prohibition flag 113t is set to on (eg, “1”). When the ball suspension states A, B, and C have not occurred, the state of the payout prohibition flag 113t is not changed, and the off state (for example, “0”) is maintained.

  After executing the standby fraud determination process (S853), it is determined whether or not the payout prohibition flag 113t is set to ON (S203). If the payout prohibition flag 113t is set to OFF (S203: No), the sensors 550a1 and 550a2 are normal and there is a low possibility that an illegal act is performed. (S205). The throwing-out process of the thrown-in ball (S205) is a process of paying out the thrown game ball to the upper plate 36 or the lower plate 41 when there is a game ball that has already been thrown in. That is, in the throwing-out process of the inserted ball (S205), the value of the inserted number counter 113j is confirmed, and when the value of the inserted number counter 113j is larger than 0, the number corresponding to the value of the inserted number counter 113j. Pay out the game balls.

  In the process of S203, when the payout prohibition flag 113t is set to ON (S203: Yes), an error notification process is executed to notify the hall personnel and the like that there is a high possibility that an illegal act has been performed. (S204). Here, the lamps 6 and 7, the speaker 8, and the liquid crystal display unit 81 are used to notify a hall related person or the like of the game hall that there is a possibility of an abnormality or an illegal act. The error notification process in S204 is an infinite loop, and the error notification can be eliminated only by resetting the gaming machine 1. Therefore, it is possible to reliably report to a hall related person or the like of the game hall that there is a high possibility that an illegal act has been performed.

  Note that the gaming machine 1 is reset by, for example, a predetermined reset operation by hall personnel. For example, a reset button is provided inside the gaming machine 1, and if a person involved in the hall inserts a predetermined key into the key hole provided in the front of the gaming machine main body 3 and rotates it to the right, The glass frame of the machine 1 can be opened and closed, and the reset button provided inside can be operated. When the reset button is pressed by a hall related person, the gaming machine 1 is reset. In addition, for example, when a hall related person inserts a predetermined key into a key hole provided on the front surface of the gaming machine main body 3 and rotates left, the gaming machine 1 is reset.

  As described above, in the throwing devices 521a to 521c, when there is a high possibility that fraudulent throwing has been performed, an error of fraudulent throwing is generated, an error notification process is looped infinitely, the progress of the game, and the game ball Stop (prohibit) payout of Therefore, since it is possible to prevent the game balls that are not actually thrown out from being paid out, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that is excellent in anti-fraud measures. In addition, if an illegal input error occurs due to some kind of fraud, the player cannot continue the subsequent game, so the cheating cannot be continued, and therefore execution of the fraud can be prevented in advance. Therefore, it is possible to provide a gaming machine excellent in anti-fraud measures.

  In addition, since the start of games with illegally inserted game balls is prohibited, it is possible to play without throwing game balls, or to play a game and win a winning combination, and to pay out a prize ball according to the winning combination Can be suppressed. Further, since the payout of illegally inserted game balls is also prohibited, the illegal use of the gaming machine 1 by an unauthorized person can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that is excellent in anti-fraud measures and to suppress the occurrence of a loss in hall personnel.

  In addition, when an abnormality (error) has occurred in the gaming machine 1, a failure has occurred in each of the sensors 550a1 and 550a2, and there is a possibility that the already inserted gaming balls may not be counted correctly. When the payout is executed, more game balls may be paid out than the number of game balls actually inserted, or conversely, less game balls may be paid out. Therefore, when an abnormality occurs in the gaming machine 1, it is possible to suppress the loss of both the player and the hall related person by prohibiting the payout of the game ball.

  In addition, when an abnormality (error) has occurred in the gaming machine 1, there is a possibility that a failure has occurred in each of the sensors 550a1 and 550a2, and the already inserted game balls may not be counted correctly. There are cases where a game cannot be started unless a larger number of game balls (for example, 15 or 5) are inserted, or a game can be started with a smaller number of game balls. Therefore, when an abnormality has occurred in the gaming machine 1, it is possible to suppress the loss of both the player and the hall related person by prohibiting the start of the game.

  Here, the description returns to the normal process (S106). After execution of the throwing-out process of the thrown ball (S205), it is confirmed whether or not the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is a JAC game (S206). If it is not during the JAC game (S206: No), it is checked whether or not the value of the thrown-in counter 113j is 15 or more (S207). If it is less than 15 (S207: No), the game start condition is set. Since it does not satisfy | fill, a process is transferred to S201 and a game ball | bowl insertion process (S201) is performed again. Further, when the JAC game is being played (S206: Yes), it is checked whether or not the value of the thrown-in counter 113j is 5 or more (S208), and if it is less than 5 (S208: No), similarly. Since the game start condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to S201, and the game ball insertion process (S201) is re-executed.

  On the other hand, if it is not during the JAC game (S206: No), the value of the inserted number counter 113j is 15 or more (S207: Yes), or during the JAC game (S206: Yes), If the value is 5 or more (S208: Yes), the game start condition is satisfied, so next, the operation of the start lever 31 is monitored (S209).

  When the start lever 31 is operated, the operation is detected by the start lever detection switch 31a. If the start lever 31 has not been operated (S209: No), the process proceeds to S201, and the operation of the start lever 31 is awaited again. On the other hand, when the operation of the start lever 31 is detected by the start lever detection switch 31a (S209: Yes), the random number value latched by the latch circuit 132 is written into the random number memory 113a and input at the timing of the operation. The value of the completed number counter 113j is cleared to 0 (S210).

  Next, a lottery process for lottery of the winning combination and the winning combination is executed for the game executed with the operation of the start lever 31 (S211). After the lottery process is executed, a fractional ball payout process is executed (S212). The fractional ball payout process is a process for paying out a fractional number of game balls when more than the required number of game balls are thrown into the gaming machine 1 by the game ball insertion process (S201). After execution of the fractional ball payout process (S212), a reel control process for controlling the rotation and stop of each reel 82L, 82M, 82R is executed (S213). In this reel control process, the rotation of the corresponding reel is stopped due to the operation of the stop switches 32 to 34, and the combination and symbol determined in the lottery process (S211) by the stopped reels 82L, 82M, and 82R. Based on the slip table determined in the lottery process (S211), the stop of each reel 82L, 82M, 82R is controlled so as to appear. When each of the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R is stopped, the reel control process is ended.

  After the end of the reel control process (S213), a game ball payout process for paying out game balls in accordance with the combination of symbols of the stopped reels 82L, 82M, and 82R is executed (S214). After the game ball payout process (S214), a special game state process for executing a bonus game, which is a special game that is more advantageous than usual when a bonus combination is won, is executed (S215). After execution of the special game state process (S215), the process proceeds to S201, and the above-described processes are repeatedly executed.

  In the normal process described above, when the operation of the return lever 38 is detected by the return lever detection switch 38a, the standby fraud determination process (S853) is executed. When the operation is detected by the start lever detection switch 31a, the standby fraud determination process (S853) may be executed. After the standby fraud determination process (S853), if the payout prohibition flag 113t is set to ON, an error notification process is executed to indicate that there is a high possibility that fraud has been performed. Notify related parties. As a result, if there is a possibility that an illegal act has been performed, the player cannot continue the subsequent game, so the cheating cannot be continued, and therefore the execution of the illegal act can be prevented in advance. it can. Therefore, it is possible to provide a gaming machine excellent in anti-fraud measures.

  In addition, when the operation of the return lever 38 is detected by the return lever detection switch 38a and when the operation of the start lever 31 is detected by the start lever detection switch 31a, the standby fraud determination process (S853). ) May be executed. In each case, since it is possible to determine whether an illegal act has been performed, it is possible to determine more accurately whether an illegal activity has been performed. Therefore, an excellent gaming machine can be provided by countermeasures against fraud.

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a lottery process (S211) executed in the normal process (S105) of FIG. The lottery process (S211) is a process for lottery of the winning combination and the winning combination for the game to be executed. In the lottery process (S211), first, a random number table for determination of success / failure is selected based on the current setting state of the gaming machine 1 and the level of the small role probability (S301). Here, the setting state of the gaming machine 1 is any one of “setting 1” to “setting 6” set using a setting key (not shown), and the random number having the lowest winning probability of the combination when “setting 1” is set. A table is selected, and when “setting 6” is selected, the random number table having the highest winning probability of the combination is selected. In addition, there are two types of small role probabilities: a random number table with a high small role winning probability is selected when the current payout rate is below a predetermined expected value, and small when it exceeds a predetermined expected value. A random number table with a low winning probability is selected.

  In S302, the random number table selected in this manner is compared with the value stored in the random number memory 113a, that is, the random number counter update circuit 131 latched in the latch circuit 132 when the start lever 31 is operated. The lottery is performed (S302). Then, it is determined whether or not any winning combination has been won (S303), and if any winning combination has not been won (deviated) (S303: No), this processing is terminated as it is. When one of the winning combinations is won (S303: Yes), the winning flags 113b, 113d and the like corresponding to the winning combination are turned on (S304), and the effective line to which the symbols should be aligned is determined. After the process of S304, a slide table for reel stop control is determined, and this is stored in the slide table storage area of the RAM 113 (S305), and the lottery process (S211) is terminated.

  Here, the slip table is a symbol to be stopped when the symbol on the predetermined effective line at the timing when the stop switches 32 to 34 are pressed differs from the symbol to be stopped on the effective line. Is a table that defines how much the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R are slid so as to stop on the predetermined effective line. In the reel control process (S213), by controlling the stop positions of the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R using the slide table, the mode of the stopped reels 82L, 82M, and 82R can be matched with the lottery result.

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the reel control process (S213) executed in the normal process (S105) of FIG. In the reel control process (S213), rotation of the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R is started, and stop control of the rotating reels 82L, 82M, and 82R is performed in conjunction with the pressing operation of the stop switches 32-34. Process.

  In the reel control process (S213), a wait process is first executed (S401). This wait process is performed in the previous game (game) until a predetermined wait time (for example, 4.1 seconds) elapses from the start of the rotation of the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R. , 82R for waiting without starting to rotate. This process is provided in order to limit the number of games played during a certain time and to limit the number of game balls consumed during the certain time. If the wait time has elapsed, the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R immediately start rotating. On the other hand, if the wait time has not elapsed, it is assumed that the player has inserted a game ball and operated the start lever 31. In addition, the rotation of the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R is on standby.

  After the wait process of S401, a reel rotation process is performed (S402), and the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R are rotated. Thereafter, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 0.8 seconds) has elapsed since the left reel 82L started to rotate (S403), and if not (S403: No), the predetermined time has elapsed. Wait until it has passed. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has elapsed after the start of rotation of the left reel 82L (S403: Yes), the process proceeds to S404.

  The process of S403 is a delay timer provided for waiting until each reel 82L, 82M, 82R reaches a stable rotational speed. The reels 82L, 82M, and 82R are rotationally driven by stepping motors 91L, 91M, and 91R, and a large torque is generated at the time of starting and stopping. Therefore, if the stop process is performed at the time of starting each of the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R, a large load is applied to the stepping motors 91L, 91M, and 91R, and the life is shortened. Therefore, by providing a delay timer for a predetermined time (reel stabilization time), it is possible to prevent the life of the stepping motors 91L, 91M, 91R from decreasing.

  In the process of S404, it is determined whether or not any of the stop switches 32 to 34 is pressed to generate a reel stop command (S404). If no stop command has been generated (S404: No), it is determined whether or not the rotation time of each reel 82L, 82M, 82R has passed the maximum rotation time (for example, 300 seconds) (S405). The maximum rotation time is an elapsed time measured after the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R start rotating as a result of operating the start lever 31. In the process of S402, the initial value updated to “0” after 300 seconds is written in the counter for measuring the maximum rotation time at the timing when the reel starts to rotate, and is subtracted by 1 by the subsequent timer interrupt process. Update and measure. If the stepping motors 91L, 91M, 91R are driven for a long time, the stepping motors 91L, 91M, 91R will generate heat and cause a failure. By setting the maximum rotation time in this way, Generation can be reduced. Note that the maximum rotation time may be measured using another known technique.

  If the rotation time of each reel 82L, 82M, 82R has not passed the maximum rotation time (S405: No), the process proceeds to S404. On the other hand, if the maximum rotation time has elapsed (S405: Yes), a forced stop process is executed to forcibly and sequentially stop all the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R that are rotating (S406). After executing the forced stop process, the process proceeds to S412.

  In the process of S404, when any stop switch 32 to 34 is pressed and a stop command is generated (S404: Yes), a reel stop process is executed (S407). In this reel stop process (S407), the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R corresponding to the pressed stop switches 32 to 34 are stopped, but the winning combination is won in the winning lottery, and the winning flags 113b, 113d are set ( In the case of S304 in FIG. 25, with reference to the sliding table stored in the sliding table storage area of the RAM 113, control is performed so that the winning combinations are arranged on a predetermined active line as much as possible. For example, when the “watermelon” symbol is lined up on the lower line and the stop switch 32 to 34 is pressed at the timing when the “watermelon” symbol stops on the upper line, the “watermelon” symbol is The reels 82L, 82M, and 82R are slid by two symbols so as to stop at the line. However, since the range that can be slid is determined in advance (for example, up to four symbols), the “watermelon” symbol may not be stopped on the lower line depending on the timing when the stop switches 32 to 34 are pressed. .

  It is determined whether or not the current stop command is the first stop command, that is, whether or not the stop switches 32 to 34 are pressed when all the three reels 82L, 82M, and 82R are rotating (S408). In the case of a 1 stop command (S408: Yes), a sliding table change process is performed (S409). In this slip table changing process (S409), for example, it is determined whether or not a combination of combinations occurs when trying to align the combinations on the selected effective line. When a combination of combinations is generated, the selected effective line is changed to another effective line, and after changing to a sliding table suitable for the changed effective line, the process proceeds to the next step. Here, “combination of combinations” means that, for example, when a “watermelon” symbol is arranged on the upper line, a “cherry” symbol appears on the lower line at the left reel 82L. If you do. The slip table changing process (S409) may be performed other than when avoiding the combination of the combinations.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S408 that the current stop command is not the first stop command (S408: No), whether or not the current stop command is the second stop command, that is, the three reels 82L and 82M. , 82R, when one reel is stopped and the other two reels are rotating, whether or not the stop switches 32-34 corresponding to the other rotating reels 82L, 82M, 82R are pressed down Is determined (S410).

  When the current stop command is the second stop command (S410: Yes), the second reel is in a stopped state, so stop eye determination processing is performed in order to determine the symbol displayed at that time (S411). In the stop eye determination process (S411), when two reels are stopped, it is determined whether or not the two symbols are aligned with a bonus symbol such as “7” symbol. If they have been prepared, sound effects and the like are generated from the speakers 8 and 45, and then the process proceeds to the next step. In the stop eye determination process, it may be determined whether another condition other than the two bonus symbols is satisfied, or an effect using the liquid crystal display unit 81 may be performed in addition to the sound effect.

  After executing the slip table changing process (S409) or the stop eye determination process (S411), or when it is determined in the process of S410 that the current stop command is not the second stop command (S410: No), It is determined whether or not all the rotations of the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R are stopped (S412). If it is determined that any of the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R is rotating (S412: No), the process returns to S404, and the above-described processes of S404 to S412 are repeated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the rotation of all the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R is stopped (S412: Yes), a payout determination process is executed (S413).

  In the payout determination process (S413), it is determined whether or not the winning combination is aligned on the effective line. When lined up on the line, the number of payouts corresponding to the lined combination is set in the remaining payout number counter 113i. When a combination is on the active line, it is determined whether or not the combination matches the winning combination. If the combination does not match, an error is caused by blinking the center lamp 6 or the side lamp 7. While displaying, it is good also as what sets 0 to the remaining payout number counter 113i.

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the game ball payout process (S214) executed in the normal process (S105) of FIG. The game ball payout process (S214) is a process for instructing the payout control device 210 to pay out a game ball generated as a result of a game and confirming the payout of the instructed game ball.

  In the game ball payout process (S214), first, it is determined whether or not the value of the remaining payout number counter 113i set by the above-described payout determination process (S413 in FIG. 26) is 0 (S501). If the value of the remaining payout number counter 113i is 0 (S501: Yes), there is no game ball to be paid out. In this case, this game ball payout process is terminated.

  If the value of the remaining payout number counter 113i set by the payout determination process (S413 in FIG. 26) is not 0 (S501: No), a prize ball command setting process is executed (S502). In the prize ball command setting process (S502), a prize ball (payout) command for instructing to pay out the game ball having the value set in the remaining payout number counter 113i is set. The set prize ball command is transmitted to the payout control device 210 by a port output process (S913) of a timer interrupt process (see FIG. 35) described later.

  When a prize ball command is received by the payout control device 210, the number of game balls designated by the prize ball command is paid out. When the paid-out game ball is detected by the payout control device 210, a payout count signal is output from the payout control device 210 to the main control device 110. Each time the main controller 110 detects the rising pulse of the payout count signal, it confirms the payout of one game ball and subtracts the value of the remaining payout number counter 113i by one. The payout count signal is detected by the sensor monitoring process (S907) of the timer interrupt process (see FIG. 35), and the value of the remaining payout number counter 113i is subtracted by the timer subtraction process (S908).

  Therefore, after the prize ball command setting process (S502), the value of the remaining payout number counter 113i is confirmed (S503). If the value of the remaining payout number counter 113i is not 0 (S503: No), each process of S503 is repeated until the value becomes 0. On the other hand, when the value of the remaining payout number counter 113i becomes 0 (S503: Yes), the payout of all the game balls is finished. In this case, the game ball payout process is finished. The game ball payout process ends when the payout of all game balls is completed.

  FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the special game state process (S215) executed in the normal process (S105) of FIG. The special game state process (S215) is a process for controlling the RB game and the BB game. In the special game state process, first, it is determined whether or not the game state is in the bonus game (S601). If not in the bonus game (S601: No), the bonus symbol determination process shown in FIG. 29 is executed (S602). ).

  FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the bonus symbol determination process (S602). The bonus symbol determination process (S602) is a process for establishing RB or BB according to the stop symbol. In the bonus symbol determination process (S602), it is first determined whether or not the RB winning flag 113b is turned on (S701). If it is turned on (S701: Yes), the RB symbol (for example, “ It is determined whether or not the “BAR” symbol) has been prepared (S702). If the RB symbols are not prepared (S702: No), this bonus symbol determination process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if RB symbols are aligned on the current effective line (S702: Yes), RB game initial setting processing is executed (S703). In the RB game initial setting process, values such as counters and flags are set in a state where the RB game can be started. In particular, the RB winning flag 113b is turned off, the RB setting flag 113c is turned on, 8 is set in the remaining JAC establishment number counter 113f, and 12 is set in the remaining JAC game number counter 113g. After the process of S703, the bonus symbol determination process is terminated.

  In the processing of S701, if the RB winning flag is turned off (S701: No), it is determined whether the BB winning flag 113d is turned on (S704). If not turned on (S704: No), a bonus is determined. The symbol determination process ends. In the process of S704, if the BB winning flag 113d is turned on (S704: Yes), it is determined whether or not BB symbols (for example, symbol “7”) are aligned on the current effective line (S705). If there are no BB symbols on the active line this time (S705: No), the bonus symbol determination process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the BB symbols are aligned on the active line this time (S705: Yes), the BB game initial setting process is executed (S706). In the BB game initial setting process, values such as counters and flags are set in a state where the BB game can be started. In particular, the BB winning flag 113d is turned off and the BB setting flag 113e is turned on. Furthermore, the total number of payouts that can be paid out in one BB game (see S615 in FIG. 28) is set. After the process of S706, the bonus symbol determination process is terminated.

  Returning to FIG. 28, the special gaming state process (S215) will be described. In the process of S601, if the gaming state is a bonus game (S601: Yes), it is determined whether or not the bonus game is a JAC game (S603). If it is not a JAC game (S603: No), it is determined that whether or not the JAC in symbols are aligned on the active line because the small-game of the BB game is in progress (S613). If the JAC in symbols are aligned on the active line (S613: Yes), the JAC game initial setting process in the BB game is executed in order to start the JAC game because it is JAC in (S614). In the JAC game initial setting process, values such as counters and flags are set so that the JAC game can be started. In particular, the remaining JAC establishment number counter 113f is set to 8, and the remaining JAC game number counter 113g is set to 12.

  After the process of S614 or when the JAC in symbols are not aligned on the active line in the process of S613 (S613: No), the total payout number of game balls in the current BB game is one BB game. It is determined whether or not the total number of payouts allowed is exceeded (S615). If the total payout number of game balls is not equal to or greater than the total payout number (S615: No), the special game state process is terminated while the BB game is continued. On the other hand, if the total number of game balls to be paid out is equal to or greater than the total number of payouts (S615: Yes), the BB game cannot be continued any more, so a special game state end process is executed (S612). The game state process is terminated. In the special game state ending process (S612), the BB setting flag 113e and the RB setting flag 113c are turned off, and each ending process of the BB game is executed during the BB game, and the RB game is executed during the RB game. Is done.

  If it is determined in the processing of S603 that the JAC game is being played (S603: Yes), it is determined whether or not the JAC symbols are aligned on the active line (S604). If the JAC symbols are aligned on the active line (S604: Yes), 1 is subtracted from the value of the remaining JAC establishment number counter 113f (S605). After the processing of S605 or if the JAC symbols are not aligned on the active line in the processing of S604 (S604: No), one JAC game has been digested, so the value of the remaining JAC game number counter 113g is decremented by 1. (S606).

  Subsequently, the value of the remaining JAC establishment number counter 113f is confirmed (S607). If the value is 0 (S607: Yes), the JAC game is ended, and the process proceeds to S609. If the value of the remaining JAC establishment number counter 113f is not 0 (S607: No), the value of the remaining JAC game number counter 113g is confirmed (S608). If the value is 0 (S608: Yes), similarly, Since the JAC game is over, the process proceeds to S609.

  In the process of S609, the JAC game elimination process is performed, and the JAC game is terminated (S609). At this time, each value of the remaining JAC establishment number counter 113f and the remaining JAC game number counter 113g is cleared to 0.

  After the processing of S609, the RB setting flag 113c is confirmed (S610). If the RB setting flag 113c is turned on (S610: Yes), the current special game is an RB game, so the above-mentioned special game state ends. The process is executed (S612), and this special game state process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the RB setting flag 113c is turned off (S610: No), since the current special game is a BB game, the total payout number of game balls in the current BB game is allowed for one BB game. It is determined whether or not the total number of payouts to be made is reached (S615). If the total payout number of game balls is not equal to or greater than the total payout number (S615: No), the special game state process is terminated while the BB game is continued. On the other hand, if the total number of game balls to be paid out is equal to or greater than the total number of payouts (S615: Yes), the BB game cannot be continued any more, so a special game state end process is executed (S612). The game state process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the value of the remaining JAC game number counter 113g is not 0 in S608 processing (S608: No), the current JAC game is ongoing, so the RB setting flag 113c is checked (S611), and the RB setting flag is checked. If 113c is turned off (S611: No), since the current special game is a BB game, it is determined whether or not the total number of payouts allowed for one BB game is exceeded (S615). If the total payout number of game balls is not equal to or greater than the total payout number (S615: No), the special game state process is terminated while the BB game is continued. On the other hand, if the total number of game balls to be paid out is equal to or greater than the total number of payouts (S615: Yes), the BB game cannot be continued any more, so a special game state end process is executed (S612). The game state process is terminated. If the RB setting flag 113c is turned on as a result of the confirmation in S611 (S611: Yes), the current special game is an RB game and the current JAC game continues as confirmed in the process in S608. Since it is in the middle, the special game state process is terminated without performing any particular process.

  FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the game ball insertion process (S201) executed in the normal process (S105) of FIG. The game ball throwing process (S201) is for throwing (taking in) 15 game balls into the gaming machine 1 from the above-described upper plate 36 through the throwing unit 52 in the normal game and five game balls in the JAC game. It is processing of.

  In the game ball insertion process (S201), it is first determined whether or not a JAC game is in progress (S801). If it is not during the JAC game (S801: No), it is confirmed whether or not the value of the inserted number counter 113j for storing the number of game balls inserted into the gaming machine 1 is 15 or more (S802). If the value of the inserted number counter 113j is 15 or more (S802: Yes), 15 game balls have already been inserted, and no new game balls need to be inserted in order to start the game (game). In such a case, the game ball insertion process is terminated. On the other hand, if the value of the inserted number counter 113j is less than 15 (S802: No), the process proceeds to S804.

  In the process of S801, if the JAC game is in progress (S801: Yes), it is checked whether the value of the inserted number counter 113j is 5 or more (S803). If the value of the inserted number counter 113j is 5 or more (S803: Yes), five game balls have already been inserted, and it is not necessary to insert a new game ball to start the game (game). In such a case, the game ball insertion process is terminated. On the other hand, if the value of the inserted number counter 113j is less than 5 (S803: No), the process proceeds to S804.

  In the process of S804, it is confirmed whether or not the bet switch 35 for instructing the insertion of a game ball has been pressed (S804). If it is not pressed (S804: No), this game ball insertion process is terminated. When the bet switch 35 is pressed (S804: Yes), if the JAC game is not in progress (S805: No), the value of 15-inserted number counter 113j is set in the total inserted number counter 113k (S806), and the JAC game If it is medium (S805: Yes), the value of the 5-inserted number counter 113j is set in the total inserted number counter 113k (S807). As a result, the total number of game balls to be inserted in the current game ball insertion process is set in the total insertion number counter 113k.

  Then, the first to third insertion retry flags 113o1 to 113o3 are respectively turned on (S808), and initial setting is performed so that the insertion processing is performed for all of the three input devices 521a to 521c. The first and third articles flags and counters are provided corresponding to the three introduction devices 521a to 521c, including the introduction retry flags 113o1 to 113o3, respectively. The second article corresponds to the charging device 521b, and the third article corresponds to the charging device 521c.

  In the process of S809, if any of the input retry flags 113o1 to 113o3 is turned on (S809: Yes), the value of the total input number counter 113k is confirmed (S810), and if the value is 1 or more (S810) : No), it is checked whether or not all the input retry flags 113o1 to 113o3 are turned on (S811). As described above, since the all-article throw-in retry flags 113o1 to 113o3 are turned on in the processing of S808, when the game ball throw-in process is executed first, the all-row throw-in retry flags 113o1 to 113o3 are turned on. (S811: Yes), the process proceeds to the input number distribution process in S813 without performing the wait process in S812. On the other hand, if any of the insertion retry flags 113o1 to 113o3 is turned off in the processing of S811 (S811: No), as described later, the game ball has been thrown behind in any of the items. After waiting for a predetermined time before redistributing the balls (S812), the process proceeds to the throwing number distribution process of S813. In the present embodiment, the wait time executed in the process of S812 is 80 ms. This weight process is provided to prevent the game balls in the entrance passages 522a to 522c from flapping when the game ball insertion passages 526a to 526c are closed by the insertion gate members 530a to 530c.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 31, the throwing number distribution process executed in the process of S813 will be described. FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the input number distribution process (S813). As described above, the throwing unit 52 includes three throwing devices 521a to 521c, and the three throwing devices 521a to 521c are used to throw game balls, respectively. Therefore, in the throwing number sorting process (S813), in order to throw the game balls evenly in the throwing devices 521a to 521c, the number of thrown pieces to be thrown by each throwing device 521a to 521c is sorted. Process.

  In the input number distribution process, first, the value of the total input number counter 113k is saved in the stack area (S831). Next, the values of the 1st to 3rd scheduled insertion number counters 113m1 to 113m3, which store the scheduled loading numbers in the loading devices 521a to 521c, are each cleared to 0 (S832). Is initialized by writing (S833). Of the three throwing devices 521a to 521c, the throwing pointer 113n is designated as 3, 2, 1, 3,... In order from the throwing devices 521c, 521b, and 521a disposed on the gaming machine 1 side. Are updated in order.

  The state of the input retry flags 113o1 to 113o3 indicated by the value of the input item pointer 113n is confirmed (S834), and if it is on (S834: Yes), the game ball using the input devices 521a to 521c corresponding to the item Can be input. Therefore, in such a case, 1 is added to the value of the planned number-of-insertion counters 113m1 to 113m3 of the item, and one game ball is distributed so as to be input from the input devices 521a to 521c corresponding to the item. Furthermore, the value 180 corresponding to the maximum waiting time (first timeout time (for example, 360 ms)) until the throwing solenoid operation flag 113p1 to 113p3 of the article is turned on and the first game ball is thrown is set to the value of the article. Are set in the input game ball counters 113q1 to 113q3, and the value of the total input number counter 113k is decremented by 1 (S835). In this embodiment, in the state where the game ball is in the upper plate 36, the insertion gate members 530a to 530c open the game ball insertion paths 526a to 526c, and the first game ball flowing down the insertion paths 526a to 526c is the first game ball. The time required to normally reach the input sensor units 550a to 550c is about 10 ms, and 360 ms is set as the maximum waiting time (first timeout time (input side)) with a sufficient margin from 10 ms. If the first time-out time is set to a time close to 10 ms, the game ball flutters, and the first time-out time frequently elapses so that re-injection (retry) of the game ball is performed. It will decline. Therefore, taking into account the fluttering that occurs when the game ball flows down, a time with sufficient margin is set as the maximum waiting time. Further, the count value of the input game ball counters 113q1 to 113q3 is decremented by 1 every time the execution execution process of S816 in FIG. 32 (S816 in FIG. 32) is executed, and the input execution process (S816 in FIG. 32) As described above, since the insertion timer interrupt execution flag 113s is turned off in the process of S821 in FIG. 30, the process is repeatedly executed every 2 ms. Therefore, 180 is set to the input game ball counters 113q1 to 113q3 in the process of S835.

  Also, in the process of S835, by turning on the closing solenoid operation flags 113p1 to 113p3 of the relevant item, the closing solenoids 534a to 534c of the corresponding charging devices 521a to 521c are turned on by the process of S819 in FIG. The throwing passages 526a to 526c for game balls are opened by the members 530a to 530c, and the throwing operation is started in the throwing devices 521a to 521c.

  Next, the value of the total inserted number counter 113k is confirmed (S836), and if it is not 0 (S836: No), the game ball distribution is not completed, so the value of the input item pointer 113n is updated (S838, S839, S834). Specifically, if the value of the input item pointer 113n is not 1 but 3 or 2 (S838: No), the value of the input item pointer 113n is decremented by 1 (S839), and the process proceeds to S834. On the other hand, if the value of the input item pointer 113n is 1 (S838: Yes), the process proceeds to S833, and the value of the input item pointer 113n is initialized to 3 (S833).

  In the process of S836, if the value of the total thrown-in counter 113k is 0 (S836: Yes), as a result of repeating the processes of S833 to S839, the distribution of all game balls to be thrown is completed. Then, the value of the total thrown number counter 113k saved in the process of S831 is restored (S840), and the thrown number distribution process is terminated.

  In addition, in the process of S834, if the insertion retry flags 113o1 to 113o3 indicated by the value of the insertion item pointer 113n are off (S834: No), the game ball using the input devices 521a to 521c corresponding to the item is updated. Input is impossible. Therefore, in such a case, the processing of S835 and S836 is skipped so that the game balls are not distributed to the input devices 521a to 521c corresponding to the article, and each information and value corresponding to the article is initialized. (S837), and the process proceeds to S838. In the process of S837, information and values used in the game ball throwing-in process such as the planned throwing-in number counters 113m1 to 113m3, the throwing solenoid operation flags 113p1 to 113p3, and the throwing game ball counters 113q1 to 113q3 are initially set. It becomes.

  Thus, since the game balls to be thrown are distributed one by one to the three throwing devices 521a to 521c, the number of gaming balls thrown by the three throwing devices 521a to 521c can be made substantially equal. . Accordingly, when the charging is started using the three charging devices 521a to 521c at the same time, the charging can be completed in a short time. This is because if a large number of game balls to be thrown are allocated to any of the throwing devices 521a to 521c, it takes a long time to throw in the throwing devices 521a to 521c, and the overall throwing time becomes longer.

  The game balls to be thrown are distributed so that the number of throwing devices 521c, 521b, and 521a arranged on the main body side of the gaming machine 1 among the three throwing devices 521a to 521c increases. The rear right region R3, which is the lowest position of the upper plate 36 shown in FIG. Therefore, the game ball in the upper plate 36 is configured to be easily guided to the guide passages 371 to 373 along the side surface of the back right region R3 on the gaming machine 1 side. Accordingly, the game balls are configured to easily pass through the guide passages 371 to 373 on the main body side of the gaming machine 1, so that the throwing devices 521 a to 521 c that are arranged on the main body side of the gaming machine 1 distribute the game balls to be thrown. By increasing the number of game balls, the game balls can be inserted smoothly. Such a game ball distribution method allows the game balls to be smoothly inserted even when the number of game balls in the upper plate 36 decreases. This is because a large number of game balls are distributed to the input device 521c communicating with the guide passage 373 in which the game balls easily flow.

  Returning to FIG. After the execution number distribution process (S813) is executed, the state of the insertion timer interrupt execution flag 113s is confirmed (S814). If the insertion timer interrupt execution flag 113s is turned on (S814: Yes), 3 is written to the input item pointer 113n to initialize it (S815), and then the input execution process shown in FIG. 32 is executed. (S816).

  Here, with reference to FIG. 32, the input execution process executed in the process of S816 will be described. FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing the input execution process (S816). The throwing execution process (S816) is distributed to each throwing device 521a to 521c by the throwing number sorting process (S813), and then counts the number of game balls started to be thrown by each throwing device 521a to 521c. And processing for managing the end of the input. In each of the throwing devices 521a to 521c, the number of game balls stored in the planned number-of-throw counters 113m1 to 113m3 corresponding to the item is loaded.

  In the insertion execution process (S816), it is first determined whether the return lever 38 has been operated (S851). When the operation of the return lever 38 is detected by the return lever detection switch 38a (S851: Yes), it is determined whether all the closing solenoid operation flags 113p1 to 113p3 are off (S852). When the return lever 38 is operated, the discharge gate member 540 slides and the openings 542a to 542c of the discharge gate member 540 communicate with the inlet passages 522a to 522c, so that all the discharge passages 527a to 527c are connected. Opened. Therefore, the game balls on the upper plate 36 are discharged to the lower plate 41 through the discharge passages 527a to 527c.

  Here, when all the closing solenoid operation flags 113p1 to 113p3 are off (S852: Yes), since all the closing solenoids 534a to 534c are off, standby fraud determination processing is executed (S853), and thereafter , The process proceeds to S872. For example, when all the charging solenoid operation flags 113p1 to 113p3 are off, for example, when all of the charging devices 521a to 521c have finished taking in a game ball, or when all the charging devices 521a to 521c have timed out This is the case when is canceled.

  Although the details will be described later, in the standby fraud determination process (S853), whether or not an illegal act is performed when the insertion of a game ball has been completed or stopped, or when the insertion of a game ball has not started. It is a process for determining. In this standby fraud determination process (S853), it is confirmed whether or not the ball suspension states A, B, and C have occurred. If the ball suspension states A, B, and C have occurred, an illegal act is performed. The payout prohibition flag 113t is set to ON (for example, “1”). When the ball suspension states A, B, and C have not occurred, the state of the payout prohibition flag 113t is not changed, and the off state (for example, “0”) is maintained.

  On the other hand, in the processing of S852, if any of the closing solenoid operation flags 113p1 to 113p3 is on (S852: No), since any of the closing solenoids 534a to 534c is on, an incorrect determination process at the time of closing described later. (S854), and then the process proceeds to S872. The case where any one of the input solenoid operation flags 113p1 to 113p3 is on is a case where the game ball is being taken in (not finished) by any of the input devices 521a to 521c. Game balls are being taken in by the throwing-in devices 521a to 521c, and the remaining throwing-in devices 521a to 521c have finished taking in the gaming balls, or some of the throwing devices 521a to 521c have timed out. This is the case when the occurrence and the taking-in are stopped and the remaining throwing-in devices 521a to 521c are taking in the game balls.

  Although details will be described later, the throwing-in fraud determination process (S854) is a process for determining whether a fraudulent act is being performed when the game ball is thrown in. When the return lever 38 is operated, This process is executed when some of the charging passages 526a to 526c are opened. In the throwing fraud determination process (S854), first, all the throwing passages 526a to 526c are closed, and then it is confirmed whether or not the ball hanging states A, B, C are generated, and the ball hanging states A, B, When C has occurred, it is determined that an illegal act is being performed, and the payout prohibition flag 113t is set to ON (for example, “1”). When the ball suspension states A, B, and C are not generated or when the ball suspension states A, B, and C are canceled after the return lever 38 is operated, the payout prohibition flag 113t is turned off (for example, , “0”).

  When the standby fraud determination process of S853 or the throwing fraud determination process of S854 is executed, it is next determined whether or not the payout prohibition flag 113t is on (S872), and the payout prohibition flag 113t is on. If this is the case (S872: Yes), there is a high possibility that an illegal act has been carried out, so an error notification process is executed to notify the occurrence of an error of illegal input (S873). The error notification process in S873 is an infinite loop, and the error can be resolved only by resetting the gaming machine 1. Therefore, the occurrence of the error can be surely reported to a game shop clerk or the like.

  As described above, in the throwing devices 521a to 521c, when there is a high possibility that fraudulent throwing has been performed, an error of fraudulent throwing is generated, an error notification process is looped infinitely, the progress of the game, and the game ball Stop (prohibit) payout of Therefore, since it is possible to prevent the game balls that are not actually thrown out from being paid out, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that is excellent in anti-fraud measures. In addition, if an illegal input error occurs due to some kind of fraud, the player cannot continue the subsequent game, so the cheating cannot be continued, and therefore execution of the fraud can be prevented in advance. Therefore, it is possible to provide a gaming machine excellent in anti-fraud measures.

  In addition, since the start of games with illegally inserted game balls is prohibited, it is possible to play without throwing game balls, or to play a game and win a winning combination, and to pay out a prize ball according to the winning combination Can be suppressed. Further, since the payout of illegally inserted game balls is also prohibited, the illegal use of the gaming machine 1 by an unauthorized person can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that is excellent in anti-fraud measures and to suppress the occurrence of a loss in hall personnel.

  In addition, when an abnormality (error) has occurred in the gaming machine 1, a failure has occurred in each of the sensors 550a1 and 550a2, and there is a possibility that the already inserted gaming balls may not be counted correctly. When the payout is executed, more game balls may be paid out than the number of game balls actually inserted, or conversely, less game balls may be paid out. Therefore, when an abnormality occurs in the gaming machine 1, it is possible to suppress the loss of both the player and the hall related person by prohibiting the payout of the game ball.

  In addition, when an abnormality (error) has occurred in the gaming machine 1, there is a possibility that a failure has occurred in each of the sensors 550a1 and 550a2, and the already inserted game balls may not be counted correctly. There are cases where a game cannot be started unless a larger number of game balls (for example, 15 or 5) are inserted, or a game can be started with a smaller number of game balls. Therefore, when an abnormality has occurred in the gaming machine 1, it is possible to suppress the loss of both the player and the hall related person by prohibiting the start of the game.

  In the process of S872, if the payout prohibition flag 113t is off (S872: No), the possibility of fraud is low, so the process of S874 to S875 is executed to pay out the game balls that have already been inserted. To complete the input execution process. In the process of S874, the values of all the scheduled charging number counters 113m1 to 113m3 are cleared to 0, all the charging solenoid operation flags 113p1 to 113p3 are turned off, and the value of the total charging number counter 113k is cleared to 0. The value of the pointer 113n is set to 1, and all the inserted game ball counters 113q1 to 113q3 are turned off (S874).

  Thereafter, the throwing-out process of the thrown ball is executed (S875), and the throwing execution process is terminated. The throwing-out process for the thrown-in ball is a process for paying out the thrown-in game ball to the upper plate 36 or the lower plate 41 when there is a game ball that has already been thrown in. That is, the throwing-out process of the inserted ball confirms the value of the inserted number counter 113j, and when the value of the inserted number counter 113j is larger than 0, the number of game balls corresponding to the value of the inserted number counter 113j Pay out.

  On the other hand, when the insertion execution process is started and the operation of the return lever 38 is not detected by the return lever detection switch 38a (S851: No), the values of the input gaming ball counters 113q1 to 113q3 of the item are set. If it is confirmed (S855) and the value is 0 or less (S855: Yes), the loading operation by the loading devices 521a to 521c corresponding to the article has already been completed, and the loading execution process is terminated. In addition, the throwing solenoid operation flags 113p1 to 113p3 for the item have a remaining value of the number of counters 113m1 to 113m3 of the item to be charged, and the game ball corresponding to the remaining 1 is the input sensor unit 550a to the item of the item. Since it is turned off at the timing when passage through 550c is started (see S866), in this case, the closing solenoids 534a to 534c of the article are already turned off (see S819 in FIG. 30).

  If the value of the throwing game ball counter 113q1 to 113q3 of the item is 1 or more (S855: No), it is confirmed whether there is a change in the output of the throwing sensor units (W sensors) 550a to 550c of the item (S856). If there is no change (S856: No), there is no change in the inserted state of the game ball, so execution of each process from S857 to S862 is skipped, and the process proceeds to S867. On the other hand, if there is a change in the output of the input sensor units 550a to 550c of the article (S856: Yes), it is confirmed whether or not the change phase is normal (S857).

  As described above, the input sensor units 550a to 550c are provided with two pairs of upper and lower two pairs of sensors each including a light emitting element and a light receiving element. In the process of S857, it is monitored whether or not the game ball is normally inserted by the phase change of the output signals of the two sets of sensors. If the change phase output from the input sensor units 550a to 550c of the item is abnormal (S857: No), an error notification process is executed to notify the occurrence of an error in phase abnormality (S858). For example, as described above, if the game ball is detected by the upstream optical detection sensor 550a1 and then detected by the downstream optical sensor 550a2, it is determined that the change phase is normal. On the other hand, if the gaming ball is first detected by the downstream optical sensor 550a2, and subsequently the gaming ball is detected by the upstream optical detection sensor 550a1, it is determined that the change phase is abnormal. The error notification process of S858 is an infinite loop, and the error can be solved only by resetting the gaming machine 1. Therefore, it is possible to reliably report the occurrence of the error to the hall related persons in the game hall.

  As described above, when a phase abnormality occurs in the output signals of the input sensor units 550a to 550c, an error of the phase abnormality is generated and the error notification process is looped infinitely, and the progress of the game and the payout of the game ball are performed. Stop (prohibit). Therefore, since it is possible to prevent the game balls that are not actually thrown out from being paid out, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that is excellent in anti-fraud measures.

  Further, if a phase abnormality error occurs due to some fraudulent act, the player cannot continue the subsequent game, so the fraudulent act cannot be continued, and therefore execution of the fraudulent act can be prevented in advance. Therefore, it is possible to provide a gaming machine excellent in anti-fraud measures.

  In addition, since the start of games with illegally inserted game balls is prohibited, it is possible to play without throwing game balls, or to play a game and win a winning combination, and to pay out a prize ball according to the winning combination Can be suppressed. Further, since the payout of illegally inserted game balls is also prohibited, the illegal use of the gaming machine 1 by an unauthorized person can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that is excellent in anti-fraud measures and to suppress the occurrence of a loss in hall personnel.

  In addition, when an abnormality (error) has occurred in the gaming machine 1, a failure has occurred in each of the sensors 550a1 and 550a2, and there is a possibility that the already inserted gaming balls may not be counted correctly. When the payout is executed, more game balls may be paid out than the number of game balls actually inserted, or conversely, less game balls may be paid out. Therefore, when an abnormality occurs in the gaming machine 1, it is possible to suppress the loss of both the player and the hall related person by prohibiting the payout of the game ball.

  In addition, when an abnormality (error) has occurred in the gaming machine 1, there is a possibility that a failure has occurred in each of the sensors 550a1 and 550a2, and the already inserted game balls may not be counted correctly. There are cases where a game cannot be started unless a larger number of game balls (for example, 15 or 5) are inserted, or a game can be started with a smaller number of game balls. Therefore, when an abnormality has occurred in the gaming machine 1, it is possible to suppress the loss of both the player and the hall related person by prohibiting the start of the game.

  In the process of S857, if the change phase output from the insertion sensor units 550a to 550c of the article is normal (S857: Yes), the game ball is inserted normally. Confirms whether or not the passage of the insertion sensor units 550a to 550c of the article is completed (S859). Completion of the passage can be confirmed when the upper and lower two-stage sensors 550a1 to 550c1 and 550a2 to 550c2 of the input sensor units 550a to 550c no longer detect the game ball. If the game ball has completed the passage of the insertion sensor units 550a to 550c of the item (S859: Yes), it is determined that one game ball has been detected, and the total insertion number counter 113k and the planned number of items to be inserted are determined. The values of the counters 113m1 to 113m3 are each decremented by 1, and the value of the inserted number counter 113j is incremented by 1 (S860).

  Then, the value of the planned number-of-insert counters 113m1 to 113m3 of the item is confirmed (S861). If the value is 0 or less (S861: Yes), all the game balls scheduled to be inserted in the item have been inserted. Therefore, 0 is set to the value of the input game ball counter 113q1 to 113q3 of the item (S862), and the process proceeds to S867. On the other hand, if the value of the number-of-insertion counters 113m1 to 113m3 of the item is 1 or more in the process of S861 (S861: No), the game ball has not been inserted in the item, so the process of S862 is skipped. Then, the process proceeds to S867.

  In the process of S859, if the game ball has not completed the passage of the insertion sensor units 550a to 550c of the article (S859: No), it is confirmed whether or not the game ball starts to pass (S863). The game ball starts to pass from the state where none of the upper and lower two-stage sensors 550a1 to 550c1 and 550a2 to 550c2 of the insertion sensor units 550a to 550c detect the game ball, and only the upper sensors 550a1 to 550c1 detect the game ball. This can be confirmed when transitioning to a state. If the game ball has not started to pass (S863: No), the process proceeds to S867.

  If the start of the passing of the game ball is detected in the process of S863 (S863: Yes), the maximum waiting time until the start of the passing of the next game ball of the game ball that has started to pass is detected (second In order to set (timeout time), 150 is set to the value of the input game ball counters 113q1 to 113q3 of the item (S864). Thereafter, the values of the scheduled number-of-input counters 113m1 to 113m3 of the article are confirmed (S865). If the value is not 1 (S865: No), the input execution process is terminated. In the present embodiment, in a state where there is a game ball in the upper plate 36, the time from when the start of passage of one game ball is confirmed until the next game ball is normally passed, and the last game ball The time from the start of passing until the last game ball has passed is about 10 ms, and 300 ms is the longest waiting time (second timeout time (injection side)) with a sufficient margin from this 10 ms. Set to The reason for setting a sufficiently long time for the second time-out time is that, as described above, the fluttering that occurs when the game ball flows down is taken into consideration. In addition, in the process of S864, 150 is set in the throwing game ball counters 113q1 to 113q3 of the item because the throwing execution process is repeatedly executed every 2 ms as described above. As described above, 360 ms (180) is set for the first timeout time (input side) (S835 in FIG. 31), and 300 ms (150) is set for the second timeout time (input side). (S864). This is a state in which the game balls are continuously flowing from the state where the game balls are stopped and then the game ball throwing paths 526a to 526c are opened and the game balls start to operate (flow down). This is because the game ball can pass in a shorter time when the next game ball starts to pass, and therefore the second timeout time is set 60 ms shorter than the first timeout time. The first timeout time and the second timeout time may be set to the same time.

  On the other hand, in the process of S865, if the value of the planned number-of-insertions counter 113m1 to 113m3 of the item is 1 (S865: Yes), the game ball that has started to pass is thrown in the throwing devices 521a to 521c. It is the last game ball that should be. Therefore, in such a case, in order to prevent the game balls from being thrown thereafter, the throwing solenoid operation flags 113p1 to 113p3 of the article are turned off (S866), and the current throwing execution process is terminated. Thereby, by the processing of S819 in FIG. 30, the charging solenoids 534a to 534c of the corresponding charging devices 521a to 521c are turned off, and the charging passages 526a to 526c of the game balls are closed by the charging gate members 530a to 530c, and the charging devices The making operation in 521a to 521c is completed.

  In addition, if the throwing passages 526a to 526c of the game ball are closed by the throwing gate members 530a to 530c, if the cheating is being performed, the above-described fraudulent equipment is inserted into the throwing devices 521a to 521c (that is, the game It is difficult to take out the balls from the charging paths 526a to 526c). Therefore, when a fraudulent act is performed, the trace is likely to remain, so that it becomes easier for hall personnel to find the fraudulent act.

  In the process of S867, a counter subtraction process is executed. This counter subtraction process is a process of subtracting 1 from the value of the input game ball counters 113q1 to 113q3. Each time this counter subtraction process is executed, the value of the input game ball counters 113q1 to 113q3 is decremented by 1, and when the value of the input game ball counters 113q1 to 113q3 becomes 0, a set time (timeout time) Is measured. In the counter subtraction process, the subtraction process is performed only when the count value of the input game ball counters 113q1 to 113q3 is 1 or more, and when the count value is 0, no further subtraction process is performed. Yes.

  When the counter subtraction process of S867 is completed, the value of the input game ball counter 113q1 to 113q3 of the relevant item is confirmed (S868). If the value is 1 or more (S868: No), the current execution process is ended. . The input game ball counters 113q1 to 113q3 are time-out time (first time-out time (injection side)) until the start of the first game ball is detected, and from the detection of the start of one game ball to the next game ball. Timeout period until the start of insertion is detected (second timeout period (throwing side)), or timeout period (after timeout) for confirming the passage of the game ball even after the first timeout period or the second timeout period has elapsed. This is a counter that counts the waiting time (input side). Therefore, if the values of the timers 113q1 to 113q3 are not 0, the timeout period has not yet been reached, and in this case, the current execution process is normally terminated.

  On the other hand, in the process of S868, if the value of the throwing game ball counter 113q1 to 113q3 for the item is 0 or less (S868: Yes), the throwing interval between the game balls is particularly long in the throwing devices 521a to 521c of the item. Or the time until the first game ball is thrown out is too long and timed out. Accordingly, in order to confirm whether or not the game ball whose start of passage has been detected has been completely inserted, it is checked whether or not the game ball is in the process of passing through the insertion sensor units 550a to 550c (S869).

  As described above, immediately after the time-out is confirmed in the process of S868 (S868: Yes), it is confirmed whether or not the game ball has normally passed (S869), so the set time-out time (360 ms) Alternatively, it is possible to confirm whether or not the game ball has been passed in a state where the error is small with respect to 300 ms). In addition, when the time-out is confirmed, it is the timing at which the insertion execution process ends, so that the abnormality detection can be performed after the process accompanying the insertion of the game ball is performed. Here, in this embodiment, when it is confirmed that the last game ball has started to pass (S863: Yes), before the completion of the last game ball is confirmed, the throwing solenoid operation flag 113p1 of the item is set. Since 113p3 is turned off (S866), as soon as the closing solenoid operation flags 113p1 to 113p3 are turned off, it is determined that the expected number of throwing has been thrown, and the game ball throwing process (S201) can be ended. However, if the insertion solenoid operation flags 113p1 to 113p3 are turned off to end the game ball insertion process, it cannot be confirmed whether or not the last game ball has been completely inserted. If you do not confirm the completion of the insertion of the last game ball, the game will start even if the number of game balls to be inserted has not been inserted, so the hall will be lost or the game ball will be blocked in the passage There is a problem that the game is continued in the state. Therefore, by confirming whether or not the game ball is in the process of passing at the timing when the insertion execution process is completed, it is possible to confirm that the game ball has been reliably inserted and to detect abnormality detection at an early stage. it can.

  In the process of S869, when the game ball is not passing through the insertion sensor units 550a to 550c (S869: No), the state of the insertion solenoid operation flag 113p1 to 113p3 of the article is confirmed (S876), and the flag 113p1 to 113p3 is checked. Is off (S876: No), it is a case where all of the game balls have been thrown in the throwing devices 521a to 521c, so the throwing execution process is terminated. On the other hand, in the process of S876, if the insertion solenoid operation flags 113p1 to 113p3 of the article are on (S876: Yes), the game ball insertion interval is too long and a time-out occurs. The time-out occurs when the game ball is clogged (stayed) in the input sensor units 550a to 550c or when the game ball does not pass through the input devices 521a to 521c. In such a case, there is no game ball to be thrown in the upper plate 36, or even if there is a game ball in the upper plate 36, the game ball is clogged (stopped) on the upper plate 36, and the corresponding throw is made. This is a case where a game ball does not flow into the input passages 526a to 526c of the devices 521a to 521c. Therefore, the charging solenoid operation flags 113p1 to 113p3 for the item and the retry retry flags 113o1 to 113o3 for the item are turned off, and the values of the input game ball counters 113q1 to 113q3 for the item are set to 50 (S877). The execution process is terminated.

  In the process of S877, 50 is set in the input game ball counters 113q1 to 113q3 even if the input gate members 530a to 530c are controlled to close the input passages 526a to 526c, the input gate members 530a to 530c Since there is an operation time for operating from the open state to the closed state, the input passages 526a to 526c are not immediately closed. Therefore, 50 is set to the values of the game ball counters 113q1 to 113q3 in order to monitor the passage of the game balls even after the insertion gate members 530a to 530c are operated. In addition, when the input gate members 530a to 530c are operated, the game balls do not flow smoothly with the operation, or the game balls are bitten between the input gate members 530a to 530c and the input passages 526a to 526c. There is. Therefore, 50 corresponding to 100 ms is set to monitor the passage of a game ball that does not flow smoothly. Accordingly, it is possible to monitor whether or not the game ball has been normally inserted while operating the insertion gate members 530a to 530c early so as to close the insertion passages 526a to 526c. In addition, when the process of S869 is Yes, you may alert | report outside that the game ball was jammed. For example, the notification to the outside may be indicated by the lighting state of the lamps 6 and 7 provided in the gaming machine 1, or may be indicated by outputting sound from the speaker 8. An image of “no game ball” may be displayed on the screen for suggestion. By informing the outside, the player can confirm that the ball is clogged, so he can immediately request the person involved in the hall to clear the clogged ball, so the time during which the game is interrupted is suppressed. Can do. Furthermore, when the process of S869 is No, since there is no game ball in the upper plate 36, even in such a case, the “no ball state” is notified to the outside using the lamps 6, 7, the speaker 8, and the liquid crystal display unit 81. It is good to do. By notifying to the outside, the player can confirm that there is no game ball, so the player can immediately replenish the game ball and start the game.

  Further, in the process of S877, by turning off the closing solenoid operation flag 113p1 to 113p3 of the article, the execution of the process of S819 in FIG. 30 turns off the closing solenoids 534a to 534c of the corresponding charging devices 521a to 521c The input passages 526a to 526c of the input devices 521a to 521c are closed by the input gate members 530a to 530c. Further, by turning off the input retry flag 113o1 to 113o3 of the article, in the retry process (re-input process (S813 to S820)) started in the branch of S809 of FIG. 30, the input devices 521a to 521c Set so that it will not be thrown in. This is because even if the throwing-in device 521a to 521c having the problem is tried again (even if retry processing is performed), the throwing of the game ball cannot be completed. Since the input retry flags 113o1 to 113o3 of the article are turned off, the determination of No is made in the process of S811 in FIG. 30, and the wait time is always ensured.

  In the process of S869, when the game ball is in the process of passing through the input sensor units 550a to 550c (S869: Yes), the game ball is clogged (stayed) in the input sensor units 550a to 550c for some reason, and the time-out time is reached. (360 ms or 300 ms, first predetermined time) has elapsed. In such a case (S869: Yes), the game machine 1 has a clogged ball (ball suspended state A, B, C) for some reason, and a ball clogged (ball) by operating the return lever 38. It is notified that the suspended state A, B, C) can be eliminated (S870). For example, the lamps 6 and 7, the speaker 8, and the liquid crystal display unit 81 may be used to notify the outside that “ball clogging has occurred. Please operate the return lever to clear the ball clogging”. By giving notification to the outside, a player or a person involved in the hall can recognize that the ball clogging has occurred and that the ball clogging can be eliminated by operating the return lever 38. When the return lever 38 is operated by a player or a person involved in the hall, the ball clogging (ball suspended states A, B, C) is eliminated, so that the game can be prevented from being interrupted for a long time. That is, as soon as the return lever 38 is operated, the abnormality is resolved and the already inserted game ball is paid out, so that a new game can be resumed quickly thereafter. Further, since the player himself / herself can eliminate the clogged balls (ball-suspended states A, B, and C), it is possible to reduce the labor of the hall personnel to eliminate the clogged ball state.

  Next, it is determined whether the return lever 38 has been operated (S871), and the system waits until the return lever 38 is operated (S871: No). On the other hand, when the operation of the return lever 38 is detected by the return lever detection switch 38a (S871: Yes), an illegality determination process at the time of insertion (S854) is executed. When the return lever 38 is operated, the discharge gate member 540 slides and the openings 542a to 542c of the discharge gate member 540 communicate with the inlet passages 522a to 522c, so that all the discharge passages 527a to 527c are connected. Opened. Therefore, the game balls on the upper plate 36 are discharged to the lower plate 41 through the discharge passages 527a to 527c.

  The case where the process of S869 is Yes is a case where a ball clogging (ball suspended state A, B, C) has occurred for some reason in the gaming machine 1, so that any of the throwing devices 521a to 521c has a gaming ball. This is a case where the importing is performed. Therefore, here, a throwing fraud determination process (S854) is performed to determine whether or not a fraudulent act is being carried out when the game ball is thrown.

  Although details will be described later, the throwing-in fraud determination process (S854) is a process for determining whether a fraudulent act is being performed when the game ball is thrown in. When the return lever 38 is operated, This process is executed when some of the charging passages 526a to 526c are opened. In the throwing fraud determination process (S854), first, all the throwing passages 526a to 526c are closed, and then it is confirmed whether or not the ball hanging states A, B, C are generated, and the ball hanging states A, B, When C has occurred, it is determined that an illegal act is being performed, and the payout prohibition flag 113t is set to ON (for example, “1”). When the ball suspension states A, B, and C are not generated or when the ball suspension states A, B, and C are canceled after the return lever 38 is operated, the payout prohibition flag 113t is turned off (for example, , “0”).

  After executing the fraud determination process at the time of insertion (S854), it is determined whether or not the payout prohibition flag 113t is on (S872). If the payout prohibition flag 113t is on (S872: Yes), an illegal act is performed. Therefore, the error notification process is executed to notify the occurrence of an illegal input error (S873). The error notification process in S873 is an infinite loop, and the error can be resolved only by resetting the gaming machine 1. Therefore, the occurrence of the error can be surely reported to a game shop clerk or the like.

  As described above, in the throwing devices 521a to 521c, when there is a high possibility that fraudulent throwing has been performed, an error of fraudulent throwing is generated, an error notification process is looped infinitely, the progress of the game, and the game ball Stop (prohibit) payout of Therefore, since it is possible to prevent the game balls that are not actually thrown out from being paid out, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that is excellent in anti-fraud measures. In addition, if an illegal input error occurs due to some kind of fraud, the player cannot continue the subsequent game, so the cheating cannot be continued, and therefore execution of the fraud can be prevented in advance. Therefore, it is possible to provide a gaming machine excellent in anti-fraud measures.

  In the process of S872, if the payout prohibition flag 113t is off (S872: No), the possibility of fraud is low, so the process of S874 to S875 is executed to pay out the game balls that have already been inserted. To complete the input execution process.

  In the process of S874, the values of all the scheduled charging number counters 113m1 to 113m3 are cleared to 0, all the charging solenoid operation flags 113p1 to 113p3 are turned off, and the value of the total charging number counter 113k is cleared to 0. The value of the pointer 113n is set to 1, and all the inserted game ball counters 113q1 to 113q3 are turned off (S874). The process of S874 is a process for setting the game ball insertion process to an initial state. In particular, when all the input game ball counters 113q1 to 113q3 are turned off, it is immediately determined Yes in the process of S820 of FIG. Therefore, the input execution process can be finished early. In addition, since the values of all the throwing game ball counters 113q1 to 113q3 are 0 or less (S820: Yes) and the total thrown number counter 113k is 0 or less in the process of S810 (S810: Yes), the game ball throwing process ( S201) in FIG. 30 ends.

  Thereafter, the throwing-out process of the thrown ball is executed (S875), and the throwing execution process is terminated. The throwing-out process for the thrown-in ball is a process for paying out the thrown-in game ball to the upper plate 36 or the lower plate 41 when there is a game ball that has already been thrown in. That is, the throwing-out process of the inserted ball confirms the value of the inserted number counter 113j, and when the value of the inserted number counter 113j is larger than 0, the number of game balls corresponding to the value of the inserted number counter 113j Pay out.

  Returning to FIG. After the completion of the execution process (S816), the value of the input line pointer 113n is confirmed (S817). If the value is not 1 (S817: No), the value of the input line pointer 113n is decremented by 1 (S818). ), The process proceeds to S816, and the input execution process is performed again. Since the insertion execution process is started with the value of the input item pointer 113n set to 3 (see S815), the input execution process is executed with the value of the input item pointer 113n set to 3, 2, and 1, respectively. Therefore, the loading execution processing is executed in the order of 521c, 521b, and 521a for the three loading devices 521a to 521c.

  If the value of the input line pointer 113n is 1 (S817: Yes), the input solenoids 534a to 534c are turned on or off according to the state of all the input solenoid operation flags 113p1 to 113p3 (S819). As described above, when the charging solenoids 534a to 534c are turned on, the charging devices 521a to 521c that have been turned on start charging of the game balls, and conversely, when the charging solenoids 534a to 534c are turned off, they are turned off. The throwing-in operation of the game ball is finished in the throwing devices 521a to 521c.

  As described above, the processing of S819 changes the state of each of the input devices 521a to 521c at the same time according to the state of all the input solenoid operation flags 113p1 to 113p3. Operations can be started simultaneously. In each of the throwing devices 521a to 521c, by starting the throwing operation of the game balls at the same time, the total time required for the throwing operation can be shortened compared to the case where the throwing operations are started separately. Therefore, the throwing-in operation can be completed in a short time and the game can be smoothly advanced.

  The values of the game ball counters 113q1 to 113q3 for all items are confirmed (S820). If all the values are not less than or equal to 0 (S820: No), the number of game balls thrown does not reach the original planned number. . Therefore, in such a case, the insertion timer interrupt execution flag 113s is turned off (S821), and then the process proceeds to S814, and the above-described processes of S814 to S819 are repeated. In the process of S814, execution of the subsequent processes is waited until the insertion timer interrupt execution flag 113s is turned on (S814: No). This means that when the execution execution process is continuously performed for the same item (the value of the input item pointer 113n is the same), the input of one game ball is erroneously detected as two or more inputs. Because there is.

  If the values of all-injection game ball counters 113q1 to 113q3 are equal to or less than 0 (S820: Yes), the planned number of game balls have been inserted, or the process proceeds to retry processing (S813 to S820). Therefore, the process proceeds to S809. In the processing of S809, if all the insertion retry flags 113o1 to 113o3 are off (S809: No), it is not possible to perform the game ball insertion operation by any of the insertion devices 521a to 521c. This game ball insertion process is terminated.

  If any of the input retry flags 113o1 to 113o3 is on (S809: Yes), the value of the total input number counter 113k is confirmed (S810). If the value is 0 (S810: Yes), it should be input. Since all the number of game balls have been inserted, in this case, the game ball insertion process is terminated.

  If the value of the total thrown-in counter 113k is not 0 (S810: No), it is necessary to throw the game ball again (retry processing needs to be performed). Therefore, in this case, since the input retry flags 113o1 to 113o3 corresponding to at least one item are 0 (S811: No), a wait process (80 ms in this embodiment) is performed before the retry process is executed. (S812) Then, retry processing (S813-S820) is performed.

  Next, the standby fraud determination process (S853) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing the standby fraud determination process (S853) executed in the normal process (S105) of FIG. 24 or the input execution process (S816) of FIG. The standby fraud determination process (S853) is a process for determining whether an illegal act is being performed when the insertion of a game ball is completed or stopped, or when the insertion of a game ball has not started. is there. That is, it is executed when the return lever 38 is operated and all the input passages 526a to 526c are closed.

  In the standby fraud determination process (S853), first, a game ball is detected by any of the input sensor units 550a to 550c, and whether any of the input sensor units 550a to 550c outputs a detection signal (ON signal). Determination is made (S1601). This is because the standby fraud determination process is executed when the return lever 38 is operated. Therefore, if the gaming machine 1 is normal even if the ball suspension states A, B, and C occur, the return lever 38 This is because the ball suspension states A, B, and C are canceled after a predetermined time (for example, after 3 seconds) after the operation. When there is no output from all the input sensor units 550a to 550c (S1601: No), since there is no ball clogging (ball suspended state A, B, C), there is a low possibility of fraud. Therefore, without performing anything (with the payout prohibition flag 113t maintained at 0), the standby fraud determination process is terminated.

  If the detection signal (ON signal) is output from any of the input sensor units 550a to 550c in the process of S1601 (S1601: Yes), the ball is blocked (ball suspended) in any of the input devices 521a to 521c. A, B, C) may have occurred, or the sensors 550a1 and 550a2 may have failed. However, it is unnatural that the ball clogging occurs when the insertion of the game ball is finished or stopped, or when the insertion of the game ball is not started. Accordingly, since there is a high possibility that an illegal act is being performed, the payout prohibition flag 113t is once set to ON (eg, “1”) (S1602). If it is determined by the processing (S1608) described later that the occurrence of the ball clogging is temporary and the possibility of fraud is being performed is low, the payout flag 113t is turned off (for example, “ 0 ").

  Next, the game ball detection timer 113u is set to 3 seconds as an initial value (S1603), and it is determined whether the output of the input sensor units 550a to 550c to which the detection signal (ON signal) is output has changed (S1604). ). Here, the reason why the initial value is set to 3 seconds is that the ball suspension states A, B, and C are surely canceled if there are 3 seconds after the return lever 38 is operated.

  If the output of the input sensor units 550a to 550c has not changed in the process of S1604 (S1604: No), the process proceeds to S1610. In the process of S1604, when the output of the input sensor units 550a to 550c has changed (S1604: Yes), it is determined whether the change phase of the output is normal in the input sensor units 550a to 550c whose output has changed (S1604: Yes). S1605). As described above, the input sensor units 550a to 550c are provided with two pairs of upper and lower two pairs of sensors each including a light emitting element and a light receiving element. In the processing of S1605, it is monitored whether or not the game ball is normally inserted by the phase change of the output signals of the two sets of sensors.

  If the output change phase is abnormal in the processing of S1605 (S1605: No), there is a high possibility that fraudulent activity has been performed. Therefore, this waiting-time fraud determination is performed with the payout prohibition flag 113t set to 1. The process ends. If the output change phase is abnormal (S1605: No), an error notification process may be executed to notify the occurrence of an error in phase abnormality. The error notification process may be an infinite loop, and the error may be eliminated only by resetting the gaming machine 1. With this configuration, it is possible to reliably report the occurrence of the error to a game clerk or the like. In addition, by making the error notification process an infinite loop, the player cannot continue the subsequent game, so the cheating cannot be continued, and therefore the cheating can be prevented from being executed. Therefore, it is possible to provide a gaming machine excellent in anti-fraud measures.

  In the process of S1605, if the output change phase is normal (S1605: Yes), it is determined whether or not the game ball has completed passing through the input sensor units 550a to 550c (S1606). When the game ball has completed the passage of the insertion sensor units 550a to 550c (S1606: Yes), the value of the inserted number counter 113j is incremented by 1 for one completion of the insertion sensor units 550a to 550c (S1607). . On the other hand, if the game ball has not passed through the input sensor units 550a to 550c (S1606: No), the process of S1607 is skipped and the process proceeds to S1608.

  In the processing of S1608, it is determined whether or not the outputs from all the input sensor units 550a to 550c are turned off (S1608). If the outputs from all the input sensor units 550a to 550c are turned off (S1608: Yes). ) The occurrence of clogging (ball suspended state A, B, C) is temporary and it can be determined that it is normal, so there is a low possibility of fraud. Therefore, the payout flag 113t is set to off (for example, “0”) (S1609), and this standby fraud determination process is terminated.

  As described above, when the return lever 38 is operated, if there is a clogged ball (ball suspended state A, B, C), there is a high possibility that fraud is being performed. , The payout flag 113t is set to ON, and the payout of game balls is prohibited. However, if it is determined that the occurrence of the ball clogging (ball suspended state A, B, C) is temporary and normal, the payout flag 113t is set to OFF by the processing of S1609, and the game Dispensing of balls is permitted. Therefore, when the gaming machine 1 is normal, the game ball is paid out, so that the game ball can be paid out to the player who normally plays the game without cheating, without cheating. It is possible to suppress a loss occurring in a player who normally plays a game.

  In addition, when the ball clogging is eliminated, the game balls that have been clogged are counted as the game balls that have been thrown in by the processing of S1636, so that even if a ball clogging occurs, the player loses. Can be suppressed. If there is a high possibility that an illegal act is performed, the payout flag 113t is kept on. As a result, the start of the game by the illegally inserted game ball is prohibited, and the game ball is It is possible to suppress playing a game without throwing it in, or winning a winning combination by playing a game and paying out a prize ball according to the winning combination. Furthermore, since the illegally thrown out game balls are also prohibited, the use of the illegal gaming machine 1 by the fraudulent person can be suppressed, so that it is possible to suppress the loss of the hall related persons.

  In the process of S1608, when the detection signal is still output from the other input sensor units 550a to 550c (S1608: No), the process proceeds to S1610. In the process of S1610, the value set in the game ball detection timer 113u is subtracted to update the value of the game ball detection timer 113u (S1610). The game ball detection timer 113u is a timer for measuring whether a predetermined time has elapsed after the time is set. After 3 seconds is set by the processing of S1603, the value is 0 seconds. The value of the game ball detection timer 113u is sequentially subtracted according to the elapsed time.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the value of the game ball detection timer 113u is 0 or less (S1611). If the value of the game ball detection timer 113u exceeds 0 (S1611: No), the game ball is still passing through. Since it is before the timeout, the processing returns to S1604, and the above-described processing of S1604 to S1611 is repeated.

  On the other hand, in the processing of S1611, when the value of the game ball detection timer 113u is 0 or less (S1611: Yes), the completion of the passing of the game ball is not detected and a time-out occurs. If the ball suspension states A, B, and C are not resolved even after 3 seconds from the operation of the return lever 38, it is highly probable that an illegal act has been performed, so the payout prohibition flag 113t is set to 1. The standby fraud determination process is terminated while the setting is made. Therefore, when there is a high possibility that an illegal act is performed, the payout of the game ball is prohibited by the process of S203 of FIG. 24 or the process of S872 of FIG. 32. Dispensing of balls can be prohibited. Accordingly, since it is possible to prevent the game balls that are not actually thrown out from being paid out, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that is excellent in anti-fraud measures. Moreover, it can suppress that a loss arises in a hall-related person.

  In addition, when a time-out occurs in an error state (S1611: Yes), an error notification process may be executed to notify the occurrence of an illegal act error. The error notification process may be an infinite loop, and the error may be eliminated only by resetting the gaming machine 1. With this configuration, it is possible to reliably report the occurrence of the error to a game clerk or the like. In addition, by making the error notification process an infinite loop, the player cannot continue the subsequent game, so the cheating cannot be continued, and therefore the cheating can be prevented from being executed.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 34, the fraud determination process (S854) will be described. FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing the fraud determination process (S854) at the time of execution executed in the input execution process (S816) of FIG. The throwing-in fraud determination process (S854) is a process for determining whether or not a fraudulent act is being performed when the game ball is thrown in. When the return lever 38 is operated, a part of the throwing passages 526a to 526a. This process is executed when 526c is opened.

  Note that, when the throwing-in fraud determination process (S854) is executed, all the filling passages 526a to 526c are immediately closed. That is, almost all of the input passages 526a to 526c are closed almost simultaneously with the operation of the return lever 38 by the player or the like, so that all of the return levers 38 are being operated by the player or the like. The input passages 526a to 526c are closed. Therefore, even if the ball suspension states A, B, and C occur immediately after all the charging passages 526a to 526c are closed, the return lever 38 is being operated. After 1 second), the ball suspension states A, B, and C are canceled.

  In the charging fraud determination process (S854), all the charging solenoids 534a to 534c are first turned off and all the charging passages 526a to 526c are closed (S1631). Next, 1 second is set as an initial value in the game ball detection timer 113u (S1632), and it is determined whether there is a change in the output of any of the input sensor units 550a to 550c (S1633). Here, the initial value is set to 1 second even if the ball suspension state A, B, C occurs, because the return lever 38 is being operated. This is because A, B, and C are eliminated.

  In the process of S1633, when the output of all the input sensor units 550a to 550c does not change (S1633: No), the process proceeds to S1637. In the process of S1633, when there is a change in the output of any of the input sensor units 550a to 550c (S1633: Yes), the change phase of the output is normal in the input sensor units 550a to 550c whose output has changed. Is determined (S1634). As described above, the input sensor units 550a to 550c are provided with two pairs of upper and lower two pairs of sensors each including a light emitting element and a light receiving element. In the process of S1634, it is monitored whether or not the game ball is normally inserted by the phase change of the output signals of the two sets of sensors.

  In the process of S1634, if the output change phase is abnormal (S1634: No), there is a high possibility that an illegal act has been performed, so the payout prohibition flag 113t is set to 1 (S1640). The fraud determination process ends. As a result, when there is a high possibility that fraud is being performed, the payout of game balls is prohibited by the process of S203 of FIG. 24 or the process of S872 of FIG. 32. Payout of game balls can be prohibited. Accordingly, since it is possible to prevent the game balls that are not actually thrown out from being paid out, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that is excellent in anti-fraud measures. Moreover, it can suppress that a loss arises in a hall-related person.

  If the output change phase is abnormal (S1634: No), an error notification process may be executed to notify the occurrence of an error in phase abnormality. The error notification process may be an infinite loop, and the error may be eliminated only by resetting the gaming machine 1. With this configuration, it is possible to reliably report the occurrence of the error to a game clerk or the like. In addition, by making the error notification process an infinite loop, the player cannot continue the subsequent game, so the cheating cannot be continued, and therefore the cheating can be prevented from being executed.

  If the change phase of the output is normal in the processing of S1634 (S1634: Yes), it is determined whether or not the game ball has passed through the insertion sensor units 550a to 550c (S1635). When the game ball has passed through the insertion sensor units 550a to 550c (S1635: Yes), the value of the inserted number counter 113j is incremented by 1 for the completion of one passage in the insertion sensor units 550a to 550c (S1636). . On the other hand, when the game ball has not passed through the insertion sensor units 550a to 550c (S1635: No), the process of S1636 is skipped and the process proceeds to S1637.

  In the process of S1637, the value set in the game ball detection timer 113u is subtracted to update the value of the game ball detection timer 113u (S1637). The game ball detection timer 113u is a timer for measuring whether a predetermined time has elapsed after the time is set. After 1 second is set by the processing of S1632, the value becomes 0 second. The value of the game ball detection timer 113u is sequentially subtracted according to the elapsed time. For example, when 1 second is set in the game ball detection timer 113u, the countdown is performed until 0 second thereafter.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the value of the game ball detection timer 113u is 0 or less (S1638). If the value of the game ball detection timer 113u exceeds 0 (S1638: No), the game ball is still passing through. Since it is before the timeout, the process returns to S1633, and the above-described processes of S1633 to S1638 are repeated. On the other hand, in the processing of S1638, when the value of the game ball detection timer 113u is 0 or less (S1638: Yes), it is determined whether the output of any of the input sensor units 550a to 550c is on (S1639).

  When the output of any one of the input sensor units 550a to 550c is on (S1639: Yes), the ball suspension state A, B, C is exceeded even if 1 second elapses while the return lever 38 is being operated. Is not resolved, it is considered that an illegal act has been performed and that each of the sensors 550a1 and 550a2 has failed. Accordingly, the payout prohibition flag 113t is set to 1 (S1640), and the in-charge fraud determination process is terminated. As a result, when there is a high possibility that an illegal act is performed (that is, when the payout prohibition flag 113t is 1), the process of S203 of FIG. 24 or the process of S872 of FIG. Since the payout is prohibited, it is possible to prohibit the payout of the game ball to the fraudulent person, and it is possible to suppress the loss to the hall related persons.

  If the ball suspension states A, B, and C are not resolved even after one second has elapsed while the return lever 38 is being operated (S1639: Yes), an error notification process is executed to perform an illegal act. An error occurrence may be notified. The error notification process may be an infinite loop, and the error may be eliminated only by resetting the gaming machine 1. With this configuration, it is possible to reliably report the occurrence of the error to a game clerk or the like. In addition, by making the error notification process an infinite loop, the player cannot continue the subsequent game, so the cheating cannot be continued, and therefore the cheating can be prevented from being executed. Therefore, a gaming machine excellent in anti-fraud can be provided.

  In the processing of S1639, when the output of all the input sensor units 550a to 550c is off (S1639: No), the occurrence of the ball clogging (ball suspended state A, B, C) is temporary and normal. Therefore, the possibility of fraudulent activity is low. Accordingly, the payout flag 113t is set to off (for example, “0”) (S1601), and the injustice determination process at the time of input ends.

  FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process periodically executed by the main controller 110. The MPU 111 of the main controller 110 generates a timer interrupt, for example, every 1.49 msec.

  First, in the register saving process shown in S901, the values of all the registers in the MPU 111 are saved in the stack area of the RAM 113 (S901). Thereafter, it is confirmed whether or not the power failure flag 113h is turned on (S902). If the power failure flag 113h is turned on (S902: Yes), a power failure process is executed (S920). The power failure process will be described later with reference to FIG. After execution of the power failure process, the process proceeds to S903. In the process of S902, if the power failure flag 113h is turned off (S902: No), the process proceeds to S903.

  In S903, a watchdog timer clearing process for initializing the value of the watchdog timer for monitoring the occurrence of malfunction is performed (S903). In S904, an interrupt end declaration process for giving an interrupt permission to the MPU 111 itself is performed (S904). In step S905, in order to rotate the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R, a stepping motor control process for driving the stepping motors 91L to 91R, which are the respective rotary drive motors, is performed (S905). In S906, a switch reading process for monitoring the state of various switches (see FIG. 21) connected to the input / output port 114 is performed (S906). In S907, a sensor monitoring process for monitoring the state of various sensors (see FIG. 21) connected to the input / output port 114 is performed (S907). In S908, a timer subtraction process for subtracting the value of each counter (excluding the input game ball counters 113q1 to 113q3) and the timer is performed (S908). In S909, a counter process is performed to output the result of counting the number of game balls bet and the number of payouts to the external terminal board 134 (S909).

  In S910, command output processing for transmitting a command or the like to the display control device 310 is performed (S910). In S911, a segment data setting process for setting the segment data displayed on the acquired ball number display 11 and the game number display 12 is performed (S911). In S912, a segment data display process is performed in which the segment data set in the segment data setting process is output to the respective indicators 11 and 12 to display the corresponding numbers and symbols (S912). In S913, port output processing for outputting data corresponding to the I / O device from the input / output port 114 is performed (S913). A command to the payout control device 210 is output by this port output processing. In S914, the input timer interrupt execution flag 113s is turned on (S914). In S915, the value of each register saved in the stack area in the previous S901 is restored to the corresponding register in the MPU 111 (S915). In S916, an interrupt permission process for permitting the next timer interrupt is performed (S916). With these processes, this series of timer interrupt processes is completed.

  FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing the power failure process (S920). Since the power failure process is performed immediately after the register saving process in the timer interrupt process, other interrupt processes can be executed without interruption. Therefore, for example, during the process of transmitting various commands, during the process of reading the switch state (on / off), the process at the time of power failure is not executed by interrupting each process. There is no need to create a power failure processing program that takes this into consideration. This simplifies the processing program for power failure processing and reduces the program capacity. This also makes it possible to simplify the processing program of the above-described power recovery processing (S110 to S117 in FIG. 23).

  In the power failure process (S920), it is first determined whether or not the command transmission has ended (S931). If the transmission is not completed (S931: No), the power failure process (S920) is terminated, the process returns to the timer interrupt process of FIG. 35, and the command transmission is terminated. In this way, it is determined whether or not the command transmission is completed at the initial stage of the power failure process. When the transmission is not completed, the transmission process is given priority. After the unit command transmission process is completed, the power failure process (S920) is performed. By adopting the configuration to execute, it is not necessary to construct a power failure processing program that takes into account that power failure processing is executed during command transmission. As a result, it is possible to simplify the power failure processing program and reduce the program capacity.

  In the process of S931, when the command transmission is completed (S931: Yes), the value of the stack pointer of the MPU 111 is stored in the RAM 113 (S932). Thereafter, as a stop process, the RAM determination value is cleared and the output state of the output port in the input / output port 114 is cleared, and all actuators are turned off (S933). Further, a RAM determination value is calculated and stored in the RAM 113 (S934). The RAM determination value is specifically a 2's complement of the checksum of the RAM 113. By saving the RAM determination value, the checksum of the RAM 113 becomes zero. After the check sum of the RAM 113 is set to 0, subsequent access to the RAM 113 is prohibited (S935). After that, an infinite loop is entered in preparation for the case where the power supply is completely shut down and processing cannot be executed.

  In consideration of the case where the power failure flag 113h is erroneously set due to noise or the like, for example, it is confirmed whether or not the power failure signal 124a is output until the infinite loop is entered, and the power failure signal 124a is not output. If it is, it means that the power has been restored from the power failure state. Therefore, writing to the RAM 113 may be permitted and the power failure flag 113h may be turned off to return to the timer interrupt process of FIG. In this case, if the output of the power failure signal 124a continues, the infinite loop is entered.

  FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing the NMI interrupt process. When the power is shut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, a power failure signal 124a is output from the power failure monitoring circuit 124 of the power supply device 120 to the main controller 110. Since the power failure signal 124a is input to the NMI terminal of the MPU 11 of the main controller 110, when the MPU 11 inputs the power failure signal 124a, this NMI interruption process is executed immediately.

  In the NMI interrupt process, each register of the MPU 111 is saved to the stack area (S1001), and the power failure flag 113h is turned on (S1002). Each saved register is restored (S1003), and this NMI interrupt processing is terminated. Note that the register saving and restoring processes (S1001, S1003) are performed only for the registers used to turn on the power failure flag 113h, so that the NMI interrupt process can be completed in a short time.

  Further, the power supply unit 121 of the power supply device 120 has a stabilization voltage (5 volts) used as a drive voltage for the control system for a time sufficient to execute the NMI interrupt process of FIG. 37 and the process at the time of power failure of FIG. It is configured to hold the output. In this embodiment, the drive voltage is continuously output for 30 msec.

  As described above, the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment includes the three throwing devices 521a to 521c, and can distribute game balls to the three throwing devices 521a to 521c almost evenly. Therefore, the game balls can be thrown in simultaneously by the three (plural) throwing devices 521a to 521c, so that the game balls can be thrown in early. Therefore, since the game can be started by operating the start lever 31 continuously with the operation of the bet switch 35, the game can be progressed smoothly.

  In addition, among the game balls distributed to the input devices 521a to 521c, when the input start of the last game ball is detected by the input sensor units 550a to 550c, the input solenoid operation flags 113p1 to 113p3 are turned off ( In FIG. 32 (S866), the insertion gate members 530a to 530c close the game ball insertion passages 526a to 526, so that it is possible to reliably prevent the game ball from passing thereafter.

  Further, when the insertion sensor units 550a to 550c confirm the passage of the game ball, a time-out time having a sufficient margin for the completion of the passage of the game ball is set in the input game ball counters 113q1 to 113q3 (FIG. 32). S864) When the value of the thrown game ball counter 113q1 to 113q3 becomes 0 (timing when the throw execution process is finished) (S868: Yes), it is confirmed whether or not the thrown game ball has been thrown normally. Therefore, the occurrence of an abnormality can be confirmed within one cycle of the execution process (S816 in FIG. 32) that is repeatedly executed. Therefore, the occurrence of abnormality can be confirmed with a small time error.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 38, a sensor monitoring process A which is a modification of the sensor monitoring process (S907 in FIG. 35) will be described. The sensor monitoring process (S907) of FIG. 35 is a process of simply monitoring the state of various sensors (see FIG. 21) connected to the input / output port 114. In the sensor monitoring process A shown in FIG. In addition to the process of monitoring the state of the various sensors connected to 114, it further monitors whether or not a ball clogging (ball suspended state A, B, C) has occurred in the throwing devices 521a to 521c. If ball clogging continues for a second (first predetermined time), the player is notified to operate the return lever 38.

  FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing a sensor monitoring process A which is a modification of the sensor monitoring process (S907) of FIG. In the sensor monitoring process A, first, a game ball is detected by any of the input sensor units 550a to 550c, and it is determined whether any of the input sensor units 550a to 550c outputs a detection signal (ON signal) (S951). ). If there is no detection signal output from all the input sensor units 550a to 550c (S951: No), the process of S952 to S959 is skipped and the process proceeds to S960.

  On the other hand, when the detection signal (ON signal) is output from any of the input sensor units 550a to 550c (S951: Yes), the detection continues from the input sensor units 550a to 550c to which the detection signal is output for 3 seconds or more. Then, it is determined whether a detection signal is output (S952). When the detection signal output from any of the input sensor units 550a to 550c is completed in less than 3 seconds (temporary) in the process of S952 (S952: No), the ball is clogged (ball suspended state A, Since B, C) has not occurred, the process of S953 to S959 is skipped and the process proceeds to S960.

  On the other hand, when the detection signal output from any of the input sensor units 550a to 550c is output continuously for 3 seconds or more (S952: Yes), the detection signal is output continuously for 3 seconds or more. In the devices 521a to 521c, it is conceivable that ball clogging (ball-suspended states A, B, and C) has occurred and that the sensors 550a1 and 550a2 have failed. Therefore, in such a case (S952: Yes), the gaming machine 1 has a clogged ball (ball suspended state A, B, C) for some reason, and a ball clogged by operating the return lever 38. It is notified that (ball suspended state A, B, C) can be eliminated (S953). For example, the lamps 6 and 7, the speaker 8, and the liquid crystal display unit 81 may be used to notify the outside that “ball clogging has occurred. Please operate the return lever to clear the ball clogging”. By notifying the outside, the player can recognize that the ball clogging has occurred and that the ball clogging can be eliminated by operating the return lever 38. When the return lever 38 is operated by the player, the ball clogging (ball suspended states A, B, C) is eliminated, so that the game can be prevented from being interrupted for a long time. That is, as soon as the return lever 38 is operated, the abnormality is resolved and the already inserted game ball is paid out, so that a new game can be resumed quickly thereafter. Further, since the player himself / herself can eliminate the clogged balls (ball-suspended states A, B, and C), it is possible to reduce the labor of the hall personnel to eliminate the clogged ball state.

  Next, it is determined whether the return lever 38 has been operated (S954), and the system waits until the return lever 38 is operated (S954: No). On the other hand, when the operation of the return lever 38 is detected by the return lever detection switch 38a (S954: Yes), are all the closing solenoids 534a to 534c turned off and are all the closing passages 526a to 526c closed? Is determined (S955). When the return lever 38 is operated, the discharge gate member 540 slides and the openings 542a to 542c of the discharge gate member 540 communicate with the inlet passages 522a to 522c, so that all the discharge passages 527a to 527c are connected. Opened. Therefore, the game balls on the upper plate 36 are discharged to the lower plate 41 through the discharge passages 527a to 527c.

  In the process of S955, when all the charging solenoids 534a to 534c are turned off and all the charging passages 526a to 526c are closed (S955: Yes), a standby fraud determination process (S853) is executed. As described above, the standby fraud determination process (S853) determines whether an illegal act is being performed when the insertion of the game ball has been completed or stopped, or when the insertion of the game ball has not started. Process. Since the standby fraud determination process (S853) is executed when the return lever 38 is operated, even when the ball suspension states A, B, and C are generated, the return lever 38 is canceled. In this standby fraud determination process (S853), it is confirmed whether or not the ball suspension states A, B, and C have occurred. If the ball suspension states A, B, and C have occurred, an illegal act is performed. The payout prohibition flag 113t is set to ON (for example, “1”). When the ball suspension states A, B, and C have not occurred, the state of the payout prohibition flag 113t is not changed, and the off state (for example, “0”) is maintained.

  On the other hand, in the process of S955, if any of the input solenoids 534a to 534c is turned on and any of the input passages 526a to 526c is opened (S955: No), an incorrect determination process at the time of input ( S854) is executed. As described above, the throwing-in fraud determination process (S854) is a process for determining whether or not a fraudulent act is being performed when a game ball is thrown in. When the return lever 38 is operated, This process is executed when the input passages 526a to 526c are opened. In the throwing fraud determination process (S854), first, all the throwing passages 526a to 526c are closed, and then it is confirmed whether or not the ball hanging states A, B, C are generated, and the ball hanging states A, B, When C has occurred, it is determined that an illegal act is being performed, and the payout prohibition flag 113t is set to ON (for example, “1”). When the ball suspension states A, B, and C are not generated or when the ball suspension states A, B, and C are canceled after the return lever 38 is operated, the payout prohibition flag 113t is turned off (for example, , “0”).

  After executing the standby fraud determination process (S853) or the throwing fraud determination process (S854), it is determined whether or not the payout prohibition flag 113t is on (S956). If the payout prohibition flag 113t is on (S956: Yes), there is a high possibility that an illegal act has been performed, so an error notification process is executed to notify the occurrence of an illegal input error (S957). The error notification process in S957 is an infinite loop, and the error can be solved only by resetting the gaming machine 1. Therefore, the occurrence of the error can be surely reported to a game shop clerk or the like.

  As described above, in the throwing devices 521a to 521c, when there is a high possibility that fraudulent throwing has been performed, an error of fraudulent throwing is generated, an error notification process is looped infinitely, the progress of the game, and the game ball Stop (prohibit) payout of Therefore, since it is possible to prevent the game balls that are not actually thrown out from being paid out, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that is excellent in anti-fraud measures. In addition, if an illegal input error occurs due to some kind of fraud, the player cannot continue the subsequent game, so the cheating cannot be continued, and therefore execution of the fraud can be prevented in advance. Therefore, it is possible to provide a gaming machine excellent in anti-fraud measures.

  In addition, since the start of games with illegally inserted game balls is prohibited, it is possible to play without throwing game balls, or to play a game and win a winning combination, and to pay out a prize ball according to the winning combination Can be suppressed. Further, since the payout of illegally inserted game balls is also prohibited, the illegal use of the gaming machine 1 by an unauthorized person can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that is excellent in anti-fraud measures and to suppress the occurrence of a loss in hall personnel.

  In addition, when an abnormality (error) has occurred in the gaming machine 1, a failure has occurred in each of the sensors 550a1 and 550a2, and there is a possibility that the already inserted gaming balls may not be counted correctly. When the payout is executed, more game balls may be paid out than the number of game balls actually inserted, or conversely, less game balls may be paid out. Therefore, when an abnormality occurs in the gaming machine 1, it is possible to suppress the loss of both the player and the hall related person by prohibiting the payout of the game ball.

  In addition, when an abnormality (error) has occurred in the gaming machine 1, there is a possibility that a failure has occurred in each of the sensors 550a1 and 550a2, and the already inserted game balls may not be counted correctly. There are cases where a game cannot be started unless a larger number of game balls (for example, 15 or 5) are inserted, or a game can be started with a smaller number of game balls. Therefore, when an abnormality has occurred in the gaming machine 1, it is possible to suppress the loss of both the player and the hall related person by prohibiting the start of the game.

  In the process of S956, if the payout prohibition flag 113t is off (S956: No), the possibility of fraud is low, so the processes of S958 to S959 are executed to pay out the game balls that have already been inserted. Then, the process proceeds to S960. In the process of S958, the values of all the planned charging number counters 113m1 to 113m3 are cleared to 0, the full charging solenoid operation flags 113p1 to 113p3 are turned off, and the total charging number counter 113k is cleared to 0. The value of the pointer 113n is set to 1, and all the inserted game ball counters 113q1 to 113q3 are turned off (S958). The process of S958 is a process for setting the game ball insertion process (see FIG. 30) to an initial state.

  Thereafter, the throwing-out process of the thrown ball is executed (S959). The throwing-out process for the thrown-in ball is a process for paying out the thrown-in game ball to the upper plate 36 or the lower plate 41 when there is a game ball that has already been thrown in. That is, the throwing-out process of the inserted ball confirms the value of the inserted number counter 113j, and when the value of the inserted number counter 113j is larger than 0, the number of game balls corresponding to the value of the inserted number counter 113j Pay out.

  Next, other processing is executed (S960), and this sensor monitoring processing A is terminated. The other processing is, for example, processing such as monitoring the state of various sensors (see FIG. 21) connected to the input / output port 114.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 39 to 45, each process executed by the payout control device 210 will be described. FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing a power-up process that is executed after power is turned on in payout control apparatus 110.

  When the power-on process is executed, initial setting is first executed (S1101). In the initial setting, various settings are made for the register group of the MPU 211, the I / O device, and the like. When the initial setting is completed, access to the RAM 213 is permitted (S1102), and an external interrupt vector is set (S1103). Thereafter, all areas of the RAM 213 are cleared to 0 (S1104), initial values of the RAM 213 are set (S1105), and peripheral devices of the MPU 211 are initialized (S1106). When various settings are completed in the processing of S1101 to S1106, interrupt permission is set (S1107), and the game ball payout processing is repeatedly executed (S1108).

  Here, for convenience of explanation, first, the external interrupt process in FIG. 45, the timer interrupt process in FIG. 43, and the setting process with a ball in FIG. The game ball payout process will be described.

  FIG. 45 is a flowchart showing the external interrupt process. The external interruption process is executed when the dispensing control device 210 receives a command from the outside. When the external interrupt process is executed, first, the received command is stored in the RAM 213 (S1501), and the command reception flag 213a is turned on (S1502) to store that any command has been received. Finish the process.

  FIG. 43 is a flowchart showing the timer interrupt process. The timer interrupt process is executed every 2 ms, for example. When the timer interrupt process is executed, it is confirmed whether or not the command reception flag 213a is turned on (S1301). If the command reception flag 213a is off (S1301: No), the process proceeds to S1306. On the other hand, if the command reception flag 213a is ON in the process of S1301 (S1301: Yes), since some command has been received, the command stored in the RAM 213 in the process of S1501 in FIG. 45 is read (S1302). The reception flag 213a is turned off (S1303). Thereafter, it is confirmed whether or not the command read in the process of S1302 is a prize ball command (S1304). If it is not a prize ball command (S1304: No), the process proceeds to S1306, and if it is a prize ball command. (S1304: Yes), the number of prize balls (the number of payouts) corresponding to the prize ball command is set in the prize ball number counter 213c (S1305), and the process proceeds to S1306.

  In the process of S1306, the lower pan full state is set. When the overflow detection switch 223 is continuously detected for 200 ms and is “bottom full”, the lower pan full state is set. When the setting of the lower pan full state is completed, a ball presence setting process is executed (S1307). This sphere presence setting process will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing a sphere presence setting process. When the ball presence setting process is executed, it is confirmed whether or not the storage amount detection switches 935a to 935d are turned on, and whether or not a predetermined number or more of game balls are stored in all the ball passages 931a to 931d. Is confirmed (S1401). If all of the storage amount detection switches 935a to 935d are turned on (S1401: Yes), it is confirmed whether the storage amount detection switches 935a to 935d are continuously turned on for 2000 ms (S1402). . If the storage amount detection switches 935a to 935d are turned on in the process of S1402 for 2000 ms (S1402: Yes), there are a predetermined number (20 or more) of game balls in each of the ball paths 931a to 931d. Therefore, the sphere presence flag 213k is turned on (S1403), the sphere presence setting process is terminated, and in the process of S1402, if the storage amount detection switches 935a to 935d are not turned on for 2000 ms (S1402: No) ), The ball presence setting process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if at least one of the storage amount detection switches 935a to 935d is turned off in the processing of S1401 (S1401: No), whether or not 200 ms has passed since the storage amount detection switches 935a to 935d have been turned off. Is confirmed (S1404). In the processing of S1404, if the storage amount detection switches 935a to 935d are turned off for 200 ms (S1404: Yes), a predetermined number or more of game balls are not stored in the ball passages 931a to 931d. The ball presence flag 213k is turned off (S1405), the ball presence setting process is terminated, and in the process of S1404, if the state where the storage amount detection switches 935a to 935d are turned off has not passed 200 ms (S1404: No), The sphere presence setting process is finished as it is.

  Therefore, more time (1800 ms) is required when shifting from the state without gaming balls to the state with gaming balls than when shifting from the state with gaming balls to the state without gaming balls. Therefore, as described above, by tightening the condition for shifting to the state with a game ball, it is possible to reduce erroneous detection due to the influence of noise and the like, and the game ball is reliably stored in the ball passages 931a to 931d. Therefore, the game ball can be paid out reliably. In addition, since there are at least 80 game balls stored in the ball passages 931a to 931d, the game balls are not paid out even if the game ball payout process is executed. Can be prevented.

  Returning to the timer interrupt process of FIG. When the ball presence setting process (S1307) ends, the state set in the processes of S1306 and S1307 is notified (S1308). In the processing of S 1308, when “bottom tray ball is full”, the player is notified by voice, or the player is notified by the liquid crystal display unit 81. Further, even when the game ball is not stored in the tank 910, the player is notified of this by voice or the liquid crystal display unit 81. Note that no notification is made when there is no lower dish ball or when a game ball is stored in the tank 910.

  When the status notification is completed in the processing of S1308, it is confirmed whether or not the prize ball payout is disabled (S1309). The prize ball payout disabled state is a case where a payout of a rental ball is currently being executed. As a result of checking in the process of S1309, if the prize ball cannot be paid out (S1309: Yes), the process proceeds to S1312, and if the prize ball cannot be paid out (S1309: No), the value of the prize ball number counter 213c is obtained. Whether or not is 0 is confirmed (S1310). If the value of the prize ball number counter 213c is 0 in the process of S1310 (S1310: Yes), there is no game ball to be paid out based on the prize ball command, so the process proceeds to S1312 and the value of the prize ball number counter 213c is reached. If it is not 0 (S1310: No), since there is a game ball to be paid out based on the prize ball command, 1 is set in the payout state counter 213b in order to pay out the prize ball in the payout control device 210 (S1311). , The process proceeds to S1312.

  In the process of S1312, it is confirmed whether or not the rental ball payout state is disabled. The rental ball payout disabled state is a case where the payout of prize balls is currently being executed. As a result of checking in the processing of S1312, if the rental payout is not possible (S1312: Yes), the process proceeds to S1315, and if the rental payout is not possible (S1312: No), the rental of the card from the card unit 20 It is checked whether a request command has been received (S1313). If a rental ball payout request command is not received in the process of S1313 (S1313: No), the process proceeds to S1315, and if a rental ball payout request command is received (S1313: Yes), a payout control is performed. In order to pay out the rental balls in the apparatus 210, 2 is set in the payout state counter 213b (S1314), and the process proceeds to S1315.

  In the process of S1315, the payout timer interrupt execution flag 213j is turned on, and the timer interrupt process ends.

  If either one of the winning ball payout disabled state and the rental ball payout disabled state is in the disabled state, the other is not in the disabled state, so the game ball can be paid out for either the winning ball or the rental ball. it can. Therefore, game balls are not paid out in response to a plurality of commands, so that game ball payout control can be simplified. Also, if the game balls are not paid out, neither the prize ball payout disabled state nor the lendable ball payout disabled state will be disabled, so that the game balls will be paid out based on the previously received command. .

  Here, with reference to FIGS. 40 to 42, the game ball payout process executed in the process of S1108 will be described. FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing the game ball payout process executed in the power-on process of FIG. The game ball payout process (S1108) pays out the number of prize balls based on the prize ball command transmitted from the main controller 110 during a normal game, and receives 25 game balls when a rental ball payout request is input. It is a process for paying out.

  In the game ball payout process (S1108), it is first determined whether or not the ball presence flag 213k is turned on (S1201). If the ball presence flag 213k is off (S1201: No), the ball path of the case rail 930 is determined. Since a predetermined number or more of game balls are not stored in 931a to 931d and the game balls cannot be paid out, the game ball payout process is terminated. On the other hand, if the ball presence flag 213k is on (S1201: Yes), the process proceeds to the processing after S1202 in order to pay out the game ball. Therefore, when a predetermined number or more of game balls are not stored in the ball passages 931a to 931d, the game ball payout process is not executed, so that it is possible to prevent the game balls from being unpaid and Therefore, it is possible to prevent the payout process from being executed continuously for a long period of time.

  In the processing of S1202 and the processing of S1203, the value of the payout state counter 213b is confirmed. Therefore, the game ball payout process is terminated. As described above, the value of the payout state counter 213b is set to 1 or 2 (S1311 and S1314 in FIG. 43). When the value is other than 1 or 2 (for example, 0), the initial state when the power is turned on is Conceivable. Therefore, if the value of the payout state counter 213b is neither 1 nor 2, the game ball payout process is not started until the value of the payout state counter 213b becomes 1 or 2.

  If the value of the payout state counter 213b is 1 (S1202: Yes), the game ball is paid out based on the prize ball command. Is set in the total payout number counter 213d (S1204). On the other hand, if the value of the payout state counter 213b is 2 (S1202: No, S1203: Yes), the value of the total payout number counter 213d is set to 25 (S1205). The reason why the value of the total payout number counter 213d is set to 25 is that, in this embodiment, every time a lending payout request signal is received, 25 game balls are paid out.

  When the value of the total payout number counter 213d is set in the process of S1204 or S1205, the first to fourth article payout retry flags 213g1 to 213g4 are turned on (S1206), and two ball payout units Initial setting is performed so that the payout process is performed on all four ball passages (two first ball passages 943a and two second ball passages 943b) provided in 941. In addition to the payout retry flags 213g1 to 213g4, the first to fourth flags and counters are provided corresponding to the four ball paths, respectively. However, the first and fourth flags and counters communicate with the ball path 931a of the case rail 930. The first ball passage 943a corresponds to the first ball passage 943a, the second ball passage 943b corresponds to the second ball passage 943b communicating with the ball passage 931b of the case rail 930, and the first ball passage 943a communicating with the ball passage 931c of the case rail 930. And the fourth article corresponds to the second spherical passage 943b communicating with the spherical passage 931d of the case rail 930. That is, in the dispensing device 940 shown in FIG. 18, the first ball passage 943a located on the starboard side corresponds to the first item, the second ball passage 943b located on the starboard side corresponds to the second item, and the left hand The first ball passage 943a located on the front side corresponds to the third row, and the second ball passage 943b located on the left front side corresponds to the fourth row.

  In the process of S1207, it is confirmed whether any of the payout retry flags 213g1 to 213g4 is turned on. If all the payout retry flags 213g1 to 213g4 are off (S1207: No), an error notification process is executed. Then, it is notified that there is an unpaid game ball (S1208). The error notification process in S1208 is an infinite loop, and the error can be resolved by resetting the gaming machine 1. As will be described later, when all the payout retry flags 213g1 to 213g4 are off, the game ball is not paid out, but when the game ball is normally paid out in each of the ball passages 943a and 943b. This is because the payout retry flags 213g1 to 213g4 are not turned off. Further, in the processing of S1208, some kind of trouble (no game ball or game ball clogging, etc.) has occurred in each ball passage 943a, 943b. May be suggested, an error may be indicated by outputting sound from the speaker 8, or an error may be indicated by displaying an image of “dispensing abnormality” on the screen of the liquid crystal display unit 81, It is also possible to output a payout abnormality signal to the external output terminal.

  If any of the input retry flags 213g1 to 213g4 is turned on in the processing of S1207 (S1207: Yes), the value of the total payout number counter 113d is confirmed (S1209), and the value of the total payout number counter 113d is 0. If there is (S1209: Yes), the process proceeds to S1210 in order to end the game ball payout process. In the process of S1210, the value of the payout state counter 213b is confirmed. If the value of the payout state counter 213b is 2 (S1210: Yes), a lending end signal is output to the card unit 20 (S1211), and the process proceeds to S1212. Transition. On the other hand, if the value of the payout state counter 213b is not 2 in the process of S1210 (S1210: No), it is not payout based on the lending payout request signal, and the process proceeds to S1212 without performing the process of S1211. In the processing of S1212, since it is unknown whether the next game ball to be paid out is a winning ball or a rental ball, the value of the payout state counter 213b is set to 0 (S1212), and the game ball payout processing is ended. Further, when the value of the payout state counter 213b is set to 0 by the processing of S1212, the prize ball payout is permitted and the lending payout is permitted.

  Prior to the processing of S1210, it is confirmed whether any of the payout retry flags 213g1 to 213g4 is turned off. If at least one of the payout retry flags 213g1 to 213g4 is off, an abnormality such as a ball clogging is detected. Since there is a possibility that the error has occurred, the process may proceed to S1208 to perform an error notification process. That is, if one of the ball paths 943a and 943b of the payout device 940 is clogged, even if 80 or more game balls are stored in the ball paths 931a to 931d of the case rail 930, There may be cases where payment cannot be made reliably. Therefore, even in such a case, the game ball can be paid out surely by executing the error notification process of S1208 and prompting to cancel the abnormality.

  If the value of the total payout number counter 213d is not 0 in the processing of S1209 (S1209: No), it is confirmed whether or not all the payout retry flags 213g1 to 213g4 are turned on (S1213). As described above, the all-item payout retry flag 213g1 to 213g4 is turned on in the processing of S1206. Therefore, when the game ball payout processing is executed first, the all-item payout retry flag 213g1 to 213g4 is turned on. (S1213: Yes), the process proceeds to the payout number distribution process in S1215 without performing the wait process in S1214. On the other hand, if any one of the payout retry flags 213g1 to 213g4 is turned off in the processing of S1213 (S1213: No), as described later, the payout of the game ball is delayed in any of the items. After waiting for a predetermined time before redistributing the balls (S1214), the process proceeds to the dispensed number distribution process of S1215. In the present embodiment, the wait time executed in the process of S1214 is 80 ms. This weight processing is provided to suppress fluttering of the game balls in the stop passage portions 943a2 and 943b2 when the ball passages 943a and 943b of the game balls are closed by the flickers 944a1 and 944b1.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 41, the payout number distribution process executed in the process of S1215 will be described. FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing the payout number distribution process. As described above, the payout device 940 is composed of two payout units 941, and the payout unit 941 is formed with a first ball passage 943a and a second ball passage 943b, respectively. A ball is thrown in. Therefore, in the payout number distribution process (S1215), in order to pay out the game balls evenly in the four ball paths 943a and 943b, the number of planned payouts for each of the ball paths 943a and 943b is determined. This is a process for sorting.

  In the payout number distribution process, first, the value of the total payout number counter 213d is saved in the stack area (S1231). Next, the values of the 1st to 4th scheduled payout number counters 213e1 to 213e4 that store the planned payout numbers in the respective ball paths 943a and 943b are each cleared to 0 (S1232), and further to the payout line pointer 213f. Is written and initialized (S1233). Of the four ball passages 943a and 943b, the payout item pointer 213f is used to specify the back side of the gaming machine 1 in order from the first ball passage 943a provided on the front side of the gaming machine 1. 2, 1, 4,...

  The state of the payout retry flag 213g1 to 213g4 indicated by the value of the payout item pointer 213f is confirmed (S1234). If it is on (S1234: Yes), the game ball using the ball paths 943a and 943b corresponding to the item It is possible to pay out. Therefore, in such a case, 1 is added to the value of the payout planned number counter 213e1 to 213e4 of the item, and one game ball is distributed so as to be paid out from the ball paths 943a and 943b corresponding to the item. Further, the payout solenoid operation flag 213h1 to 213h4 of the item is turned on, and the value 180 corresponding to the maximum waiting time (timeout time, detection time) until the first game ball is inserted is set to the payout game ball of the item. The counters 213i1 to 213i4 are set and 1 is subtracted from the value of the total payout number counter 213d (S1235). In the present embodiment, in the state where there is a game ball in the tank 910, the ball paths 943a and 943b of the game balls are opened by the flickers 944a1 and 944b1, and the first game ball flowing down the ball paths 943a and 943b is normally paid out. The time to reach the count switch 222 is about 10 ms, and 360 ms is set as the maximum waiting time (first timeout time (payout side)) as a time having a sufficient margin from this 10 ms. The reason for setting a sufficiently long time for the first time-out time of the payout control unit 90 is to take into account the flutter that occurs when the game ball flows down, as described for the first time-out time of the throw-in unit 52. Because. Further, the count value of the payout game ball counters 213i1 to 213i3 is decremented by 1 every time the payout execution process of S1218 in FIG. 40 is executed. As described above, the payout execution process is the process of S1315 in FIG. Since the payout timer interrupt execution flag 213j is turned off, it is repeatedly executed every 2 ms. Therefore, 180 is set to the payout game ball counters 213i1 to 213i4 in the process of S1235.

  Further, in the processing of S1235, by turning on the dispensing solenoid operation flags 213h1 to 213h4 of the article, the stopping mechanisms (the first stopping mechanism 944a and the second stopping mechanism 944a and the second stopping mechanism) of the corresponding ball passages 943a and 943b are processed by the processing of S1221 of FIG. The payout solenoids 944a2 and 944b2 of the stopping mechanism 944b) are turned on, the ball paths 943a and 943b of the game balls are opened by the flickers 944a1 and 944b1, and the payout operation is started in the ball paths 943a and 943b.

  Next, the value of the total payout number counter 213d is confirmed (S1236). If it is not 0 (S1236: No), the game ball distribution is not completed, so the value of the payout item pointer 213f is updated (S1238, S1239, S1234). Specifically, if the value of the payout item pointer 213f is not 1, 4, 3, or 2 (S1238: No), the value of the payout item pointer 213f is subtracted by 1 (S1239), and the process proceeds to S1234. To do. On the other hand, if the value of the payout item pointer 213f is 1 (S1238: Yes), the process proceeds to S1233, and the value of the payout item pointer 213f is initialized to 4 (S1233).

  In the process of S1236, if the value of the total payout number counter 213d is 0 (S1236: Yes), as a result of repeating each process of S1233 to S1239, distribution of all game balls to be paid out is completed. The value of the total payout number counter 213d saved in the process of S1231 is restored (S1240), and the payout number distribution process is terminated.

  Further, in the processing of S1234, if the payout retry flags 213g1 to 213g4 indicated by the value of the payout item pointer 213f are off (S1234: No), it is impossible to pay out the game ball using that item. Therefore, in such a case, the processing of S1235 and S1236 is skipped so that the game balls are not distributed to the item, and each information and value corresponding to the item is initialized (S1237). The process proceeds to S1238. In the process of S1237, information and values used in the game ball payout execution process such as the expected payout number counters 213e1 to 213e4, the payout solenoid operation flags 213h1 to 213h4, and the payout game ball counters 213i1 to 213i4 of the article are initially set. It becomes.

  Thus, the game balls to be paid out are distributed one by one to the four ball passages 943a and 943b, so that the number of game balls to be paid out through the four ball passages 943a and 943b can be made substantially equal. Therefore, when payout is started using the four ball passages 943a and 943b at the same time, the payout can be completed in a short time. This is because if a large number of game balls to be paid out are allocated to any of the ball passages 943a and 943b, it takes a long time to pay out in the ball passages 943a and 943b, and the entire payout time becomes longer.

  Returning to FIG. After the payout number distribution process (S1215) is executed, the state of the payout timer interrupt execution flag 213j is confirmed (S1216). If the payout timer interrupt execution flag 213j is turned on (S1216: Yes), 4 is written into the payout item pointer 213f to initialize it (S1217), and then the payout execution process shown in FIG. 42 is executed. (S1218).

  FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing the payout execution process. The payout execution process (S1218) is distributed to the ball paths 943a and 943b by the payout number distribution process (S1215), and then the number of game balls started to be paid out in the ball paths 943a and 943b is counted. And processing for managing the end of the payout. In each of the ball paths 943a and 943b, the number of game balls stored in the payout scheduled number counters 213e1 to 213e4 corresponding to the item of the player is inserted.

  In the payout execution process, first, the payout game ball counters 213i1 to 213i4 of the relevant item are confirmed (S1251). If the value is 0 or less (S1251: Yes), the payout operation corresponding to the relevant item has already ended. Therefore, the payout execution process is terminated. Note that the discharge solenoid operation flags 213h1 to 213h4 of the item are turned off at the timing when the value of the expected number of payout counters 213e1 to 213em4 of the item becomes 0 (see S1258). The solenoids 944a2 and 944b2 are already turned off (S1221 in FIG. 40).

  If the value of the payout game ball counter 213i1 to 213i4 of the item is 1 or more (S1251: No), it is confirmed whether or not the completion of the game ball is detected by the payout count switch 222 of the item (S1252). If not completed (S1252: No), the process proceeds to S1256. On the other hand, if completion of the passing of the game ball is detected by the payout count switch 222 of the item (S1252: Yes), it is determined that one game ball has been paid out, and the total payout number counter 213d and the planned payout number of the item are detected. The values of the counters 213e1 to 213e4 are each subtracted by 1 (S1253). Then, the value of the payout scheduled number counter 213e1 to 213e4 of the item is confirmed (S1254). If the value is 0 (S1254: Yes), all the game balls scheduled to be paid out in the item have been paid out. Therefore, the value of the payout game ball counter 213i1 to 213i4 of the article is set to 0 (S1255), and the process proceeds to S1260. On the other hand, if the value of the scheduled payout number counter 213e1 to 213e4 of the item is other than 0 in the process of S1254 (S1254: No), the process of S1255 is skipped and the process proceeds to S1260.

  In the process of S1256, it is confirmed whether or not the game ball starts to pass. The start of the passing of the game ball can be confirmed when the payout count switch 222 detects the game ball and a signal output from the payout count switch 222 to the payout control device 210 rises. The completion of the passing of the game ball in the process of S1252 is confirmed when the game ball completely passes through the payout count switch 222 and the signal output from the payout count switch 222 to the payout control device 210 falls. Can do.

  If the game ball does not start to pass in the process of S1256 (S1256: No), the process proceeds to S1260. On the other hand, if the start of the game ball passes is detected (S1256: Yes), the game that has started to pass. In order to set the maximum waiting time (second timeout time, passage time) until the ball is completely passed, 150 is set to the value of the payout game ball counters 213i1 to 213i3 of the article (S1257). Thereafter, the value of the payout scheduled number counter 213e1 to 213e4 of the article is confirmed (S1258). If the value is not 1 (S1258: No), there is still a game ball to be paid out, and the game ball starts to pass and passes. Since the completion is not detected, the payout execution process is terminated. In the present embodiment, in a state where there is a game ball in the tank 910, the time from when the start of passage of one game ball is confirmed until the next game ball starts to pass normally is about 10 ms, and this 10 ms. As a time with a sufficient margin, 300 ms is set as the maximum waiting time (second timeout time (payout side)). The time with a sufficient margin for the second timeout time of the payout device unit 90 is set in consideration of the flapping that occurs when the game ball flows down, as described for the second timeout time of the insertion unit 52. Because. The reason why 150 is set in the payout game ball counters 213i1 to 213i4 of the item in the process of S1257 is that the payout execution process is repeatedly executed every 2 ms as described above. Further, like the input unit 52, the first timeout time and the second timeout time of the dispensing device unit 90 may be set to the same time.

  On the other hand, in the process of S1258, if the value of the scheduled payout number counter 213i1 to 213i4 of the article is 1 (S1258: Yes), the game ball that has started to pass is the last to be paid out in the ball paths 943a and 943b. It is one game ball. Therefore, in such a case, in order to prevent the game ball from being paid out thereafter, the payout solenoid operation flags 213h1 to 213h4 of the article are turned off (S1259), and the current payout execution process is ended. . Thus, the processing of S1221 in FIG. 40 turns off the payout solenoids 944a2 and 944b2 of the corresponding ball passages 943a and 943b, and the ball passages 943a and 943b (stop passage portions 943a2 and 943b2) of the game balls by the flickers 944a1 and 944b1. The game ball is paid out in the ball passages 943a and 943b.

  In the process of S1260, a counter subtraction process is executed. This counter subtraction process is a process of subtracting 1 from the value of the payout game ball counters 213i1 to 213i4. Each time this counter subtraction process is executed, the value of the payout game ball counters 213i1 to 213i4 is decremented by 1, and when the value of the payout game ball counters 213i1 to 213i4 becomes 0, a set time (timeout time) Is measured. In the counter subtraction process, the subtraction process is performed only when the count value of the payout game ball counters 213i1 to 213i4 is 1 or more, and the subtraction process is not performed when the count value is 0. Yes.

  When the counter subtraction process in S1260 is completed, the value of the payout game ball counter 213i1 to 213i4 of the relevant item is confirmed (S1261). . The payout game ball counters 213i1 to 213i4 are timed out until the start of payout of the first game ball is detected (first time-out time (payout side)). After the start of payout of one game ball is detected, the next game Timeout period (second timeout period (dispensing side)) until the start of dispensing of a ball is detected, or timeout period for confirming the passing of a game ball even after the first timeout period or the second timeout period has elapsed ( This is a counter that measures the waiting time after the timeout (payout side). Therefore, if the value of the timers 213i1 to 213i4 is 1 or more, the timeout period has not yet been reached, and in this case, the current payout execution process is normally terminated.

  On the other hand, in the process of S1261, if the value of the payout game ball counter 213i1 to 213i4 of the item is 0 or less (S1261: Yes), in particular, the time until the first game ball starts to be paid out in the item This is the case when the time is too long or the interval from the start of the passage of one game ball to the completion of the passage is too long, resulting in a timeout. Therefore, in order to confirm whether or not the game ball whose start of passage has been detected has been completely passed, it is confirmed whether or not the payout count switch 222 is in the middle of passage (S1262). S1262: Yes), the game ball is clogged in the payout count switch 222 for some reason (stays). In such a case, an error notification process is executed to notify the occurrence of a game ball retention error (S1263). The error notification process in S1263 is an infinite loop, and the error can be solved by resetting the gaming machine 1 after eliminating the staying state of the game balls. It should be noted that such a game ball retention error may be eliminated by releasing the retention state.

  As described above, immediately after the time-out is confirmed in the processing of S1261 (S1261: Yes), it is confirmed whether or not the game ball has been normally passed (S1262), so the set time-out time (360 ms) Alternatively, it is possible to confirm whether or not the game ball has been passed in a state where the error is small with respect to 300 ms). Further, when the time-out is confirmed, it is the timing at which the payout execution process ends, so that the abnormality detection can be performed after the process associated with the payout of the game ball is performed.

  Further, in this embodiment, when the start of passage of the last game ball is confirmed (S1256, S1258: Yes), before the completion of the passage of the last game ball is confirmed, the payout solenoid operation flag 213h1 of the item is concerned. Since ˜213h4 is turned off (S1259), as soon as the payout solenoid operation flags 213h1 to 213h4 are turned off, it is determined that the expected payout number has been paid out, and the game ball payout process (S1108 in FIG. 40) can be ended. However, if the payout solenoid operation flags 213h1 to 213h4 are turned off and the game ball payout process is terminated, it cannot be confirmed whether or not the last game ball has been completely paid out. If the completion of paying out the last game ball cannot be confirmed, the number of game balls to be paid out has not been paid out, so that it is not possible to pay out game balls thereafter, or the game balls are paid out through the few ball paths 943a and 943b. Therefore, there is a problem that the payout does not end early. Therefore, by confirming whether or not the game ball is in the process of passing at the timing when the payout execution process ends, it is possible to confirm whether or not the game ball has been paid out reliably, and to detect abnormality detection at an early stage. it can.

  If a game ball retention error is not detected in the process of S1262 (S1262: No), the state of the payout solenoid operation flags 213h1 to 213h4 of the article is confirmed (S1264), and the flags 213h1 to 213h4 are turned off. If so (S1264: No), the payout execution process is ended because the payout of the game balls in the ball paths 943a and 943b has been completed. On the other hand, if the payout solenoid operation flags 213h1 to 213h4 of the article are on in the processing of S1264 (S1264: Yes), the game ball payout interval is too long and a time-out occurs. The time-out occurs when the game ball is clogged (stays) in the payout count switch 222 or when the game ball does not pass through the payout count switch 222. In such a case, there is no game ball to be paid out in the tank 910, or the game ball flows from the tank 910 to the corresponding ball passages 943a and 943b due to clogging (stops) between the ball passages 943a and 943b. This is the case. Therefore, the payout solenoid operation flag 213h1 to 213h4 for the relevant item and the payout retry flag 213g1 to 213g4 for the relevant item are turned off, and the payout game ball counters 213i1 to 213i4 for the relevant item are set to 50 (S1265). The execution process is terminated.

  The reason why the payout game ball counters 213i1 to 213i4 are set to 50 in the process of S1265 is to monitor the passage of the game balls even after the ball paths 943a and 943b of the game balls are closed by the flickers 944a1 and 944b1. is there. When the flickers 944a1 and 944b1 operate, the game ball may not flow smoothly along with the operation. In order to monitor the passing of the game ball that does not flow smoothly, 50 corresponding to 100 ms is set.

  Also, in the process of S1265, by turning off the discharge solenoid operation flags 213h1 to 213h4 of the article, the corresponding discharge solenoids 944a2 and 944b2 are turned off by executing the process of S1221 in FIG. 40, and the flickers 944a1 and 944b1 The ball passages 943a and 943b are closed. Further, by turning off the payout retry flag 213g1 to 213g4 of the article, in the retry process (repayout process (S1207 to S1222)) started in the branch of S1207: Yes in FIG. 40, the ball paths 943a and 943b Set to not pay out. This is because, even if another attempt is made to pay out in the defective ball passages 943a and 943b (retry processing is performed), the payout of the game ball cannot be completed. In addition, since the withdrawal retry flags 213g1 to 213g4 of the article are turned off, the determination of No is made in the processing of S1213 of FIG.

  Returning to FIG. After completion of the payout execution process (S1218), the value of the payout item pointer 213f is confirmed (S1219). If the value is not 1 (S1219: No), the value of the payout item pointer 213f is subtracted by 1 (S1220). ), The process proceeds to S1218, and the payout execution process is performed again. Since the payout execution process is started with the value of the payout item pointer 213f set to 4 (S1217), the payout execution process is executed with the value of the payout item pointer 213f set to 4, 3, 2, and 1, respectively. Therefore, the payout execution process is sequentially executed for the four ball passages 943a and 943b.

  If the value of the payout line pointer 213f is 1 (S1219: Yes), the payout solenoids 944a2 and 944b2 are turned on or off according to the state of all the payout solenoid operation flags 213h1 to 213h4 (S1221). As described above, when the payout solenoids 944a2 and 944b2 are turned on, the flickers 944a1 and 944b1 that are turned on start passing (payout) of the game balls, and conversely, when the payout solenoids 944a2 and 944b2 are turned off, With the flickers 944a1 and 944b1 turned off, the game ball payout operation is completed.

  As described above, the processing of S1221 causes the flickers 944a1 and 944b1 provided in the respective ball passages 943a and 943b to operate simultaneously according to the state of all the discharge solenoid operation flags 213h1 to 213h4. The game ball payout operation can be started at the same time. In each of the ball passages 943a and 943b, the game ball payout operation is started at the same time, so that the total time required for the payout operation can be shortened compared to the case where the payout operations are started separately. Therefore, the payout operation can be completed in a short time, and the game can proceed smoothly.

  All the payout game ball counters 213i1 to 213i4 are checked (S1222). If all the values are not less than 0 (S1222: No), the game balls are being paid out. Therefore, in such a case, the payout timer interrupt execution flag 213j is turned off (S1223), and then the process proceeds to S1216 to repeat the above-described processes of S1217 to S1221. In the process of S1216, execution of the subsequent processes is waited until the payout timer interrupt execution flag 213j is turned on (S1216: No). This is because, when the payout execution process is continuously performed for the same item (with the same value of the payout item pointer 213f), one game ball payout is erroneously detected as two or more payouts. Because there is.

  If the value of all the game ball counters 213i1 to 213i4 is equal to or less than 0 (S1222: Yes), the payout of the planned number of game balls has been completed or the process is shifted to the retry process (S1207 to S1222). The process proceeds to S1207. In the process of S1207, if all the payout retry flags 213g1 to 213g4 are off (S1207: No), the game ball payout operation cannot be performed by any of the ball paths 943a and 943b. The game ball payout process is terminated.

  As described above, the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment can distribute game balls to the four ball passages 943a and 943b substantially equally, and simultaneously pays out the game balls through the four ball passages 943a and 943b. Since it can be performed, the payout of the game ball can be completed at an early stage. The gaming machine 1 cannot start the next game unless the payout of the game ball is finished, so that the game wait time can be shortened to advance the game by ending the payout of the game ball in a short time. It can be done smoothly.

  When the start of passage of the last game ball is detected by the payout count switch 222 among the respective game balls distributed to the ball paths 943a and 943b, the payout solenoid operation flags 213h1 to 213h4 are turned off (FIG. 42). S1259), since the ball passages 943a and 943b are closed by the flickers 944a1 and 944b1, it is possible to reliably prevent the game ball from passing thereafter.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 46 to 50, a gaming machine 1001 in the second embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, when the return lever 38 is operated by a player or the like, if any of the throwing devices 521a to 521c is clogged with balls, there is a high possibility that an illegal act has been performed. Therefore, it was a form of prohibiting payout of game balls. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, when the return lever 38 is operated by a player or the like, among the three input devices 521a to 521c (articles 1 to 3) provided, a specific one is specified. It is determined whether or not the game balls are thrown into the throwing devices 521a to 521c (specific items). If they are biased, it is highly likely that an illegal act has been performed, so the game balls are prohibited from being paid out. It is a form.

  With reference to FIG. 46, the electrical configuration of the gaming machine 1001 in the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 46 is an explanatory diagram of each memory provided in the RAM 1113 of the main controller 110 in the second embodiment. In the block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the gaming machine 1001, only the RAM 1113 is explained because only the RAM 1113 of the main control device 110 is different from the block diagram (see FIG. 21) of the gaming machine 1 in the first embodiment. The description of other identical parts is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 46, in the RAM 1113, in addition to the same memory, flag, and counter (configuration of 1113a to 1113u) as the RAM 113 (see FIG. 22), an accumulated input number counter 1113v and a previous passage completion detection condition pointer 1113w and the same row continuous input number counter 1113x are provided. Here, only the newly provided counter and pointer (configuration of 1113v to 1113x) will be described, and the same memory, flag, and counter (configuration of 1113a to 1113u) as the RAM 113 (see FIG. 22) will be described. Omitted.

  The cumulative inserted number counter 1113v is a counter that stores the cumulative number of game balls thrown into the respective throwing devices 521a to 521c for each of the throwing devices 521a to 521c. The cumulative input number counter 1113v is provided with first to third cumulative input number counters 1113v1 to 1113v3 corresponding to the three input devices 521a to 521c, respectively. Each time the completion of the passing of the game ball is confirmed in the throwing devices 521a to 521c, 1 is added to the cumulative thrown number counters 1113v1 to 1113v3 corresponding to the throwing devices 521a to 521c for which the passing completion has been confirmed (FIG. 49). S1702). For example, when the completion of the passing of the game ball is detected in the insertion device 521a, 1 is added to the first article cumulative inserted number counter 1113v1. In addition, in the cumulative number-of-charged counters 1113v1 to 1113v3 in the first to third articles, 1 is set as an initial value when the power is turned on, and the reset button is pressed to reset the gaming machine 1001. In this case, 1 is set as an initial value.

  The previous passage completion detection item pointer 1113w is a pointer for storing the insertion item in which the completion of the passing of the game ball is finally confirmed among the first to third items (injection devices 521a to 521c). . Each time the completion of the passing of the game ball is confirmed in each of the throwing devices 521a to 521c, a value indicating the throwing device 521a to 521c whose passing completion is confirmed is stored. More specifically, when the passing completion of the game ball is confirmed, the value of the throwing pointer 1113n indicating the throwing devices 521a to 521c for which the passing completion has been confirmed is stored in the previous passing completion detection strip pointer 1113w. (S1834 in FIG. 50).

  In the same row continuous throwing number counter 1113x, among the first to third throwing strips (throwing devices 521a to 521c), the completion of the passing of the game ball is continued on the same throwing strip (throwing devices 521a to 521c). It is a counter for storing the number confirmed in the above. When each of the throwing devices 521a to 521c confirms the completion of the passing of the game ball, the throwing devices 521a to 521c that are confirmed to have completed the passing of the current gaming ball, and the throwing device that is confirmed to have passed the previous gaming ball. When 521a to 521c are the same, 1 is added to the same row continuous input number counter 1113x. On the other hand, if the throwing devices 521a to 521c for which the completion of the passing of the current game ball is confirmed and the throwing devices 521a to 521c for which the previous completion of the passing of the gaming ball are different, the same continuous consecutively charged number counter 1113x. 0 is stored (reset). In addition, the same item continuous input number counter 1113x is set to 0 as an initial value when the power is turned on, and is set to 0 as an initial value when the reset button is pressed and the gaming machine 1001 is reset. The

  Next, each process executed by the main control device 110 of the gaming machine 1001 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 47 to 50. The processes of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 47 to 50 are stored in the ROM 112 as a part of the control program. FIG. 47 is a flowchart showing the normal process A executed by the main controller 110 in the second embodiment. The normal process A is a process for performing main control related to the game, and is a process executed instead of the normal process (S105 in FIG. 24). Further, the normal process A is obtained by replacing the standby fraud determination process (S853) with the centralized input monitoring process (S1701) in the normal process (S105) of FIG. 24 described above. The same processing as the normal processing (S105) of FIG. 24 described above is denoted by the same reference numeral, description thereof is omitted, and only different portions will be described.

  In the normal process A, it is determined whether the return lever 38 has been operated by the player or the like after the game ball insertion process (S201) (S202). When the operation of the return lever 38 is not detected by the return lever detection switch 38a (S202: No), the process of S1701 to S205 is skipped and the process proceeds to S206.

  On the other hand, when the operation of the return lever 38 is detected by the return lever detection switch 38a (S202: Yes), the concentrated input monitoring process is executed (S1701). Although details will be described later, the centralized input monitoring process (S1701) is a process for confirming whether or not the input of game balls is biased to specific input devices 521a to 521c (specific items). If this concentrated throw-in monitoring process (S1701) is executed and it is determined that the throwing of game balls is biased toward specific throw-in devices 521a to 521c (special articles) and fraudulent acts are being performed, payout is prohibited. The flag 1113t is set to ON (for example, “1”). On the other hand, when it is determined that no fraud has been performed, the payout prohibition flag 1113t is set to off (for example, “0”).

  After execution of the centralized input monitoring process (S1701), the process proceeds to S203, and it is determined whether the payout prohibition flag 1113t is set to ON (S203). In the normal process A, instead of the standby fraud determination process (S853 in FIG. 24), the centralized input monitoring process (S1701) is executed. It is good also as a structure to perform.

  In the normal process A described above, when the operation of the return lever 38 is detected by the return lever detection switch 38a, the centralized input monitoring process (S1701) is executed. When the operation is detected by the start lever detection switch 31a, the concentrated injection monitoring process (S1701) may be executed. If the payout prohibition flag 1113t is set to ON after the execution of the centralized input monitoring process (S1701), the error notification process (S204) may be executed to cause an illegal act. To hall officials. As a result, if there is a possibility that an illegal act has been performed, the player cannot continue the subsequent game, so the cheating cannot be continued, and therefore the execution of the illegal act can be prevented in advance. it can. Therefore, a gaming machine excellent in anti-fraud can be provided.

  Also, the concentrated input monitoring process (S1701) is executed both when the operation of the return lever 38 is detected by the return lever detection switch 38a and when the operation of the start lever 31 is detected by the start lever detection switch 31a. You may comprise so that it may do. In each case, since it is possible to determine whether an illegal act has been performed, it is possible to determine more accurately whether an illegal activity has been performed. Therefore, an excellent gaming machine can be provided by countermeasures against fraud.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 48, the concentrated input monitoring process (S1701) will be described. FIG. 48 is a flowchart showing the centralized input monitoring process (S1701) executed in the normal process A of FIG. 47 and the input execution process A of FIG. 49 described later. The centralized input monitoring process (S1701) is a process for confirming whether or not the input of game balls is biased to specific input devices 521a to 521c (specific items).

  In the centralized input monitoring process, first, the ratio between the value of the first article cumulative input number counter 1113v1 and the value of the second article cumulative input number counter 1113v2 is calculated (S1801). The ratio calculated here is a ratio in which the value of one counter 1113v1, 1113v2 is 1 (reference). When the calculated ratio is a numerical value less than 1, the reciprocal of the calculated ratio is used as the calculation result in the processing of S1801. Further, as described above, since the accumulated value counters 1113v1 to 1113v3 of Articles 1 to 3 are set to 1 as initial values when the power is turned on, the accumulated values of Articles 1 to 3 are set. When calculating the ratio of the values of the inserted number counters 1113v1 to 1113v3, it can be suppressed that one value becomes 0 and the ratio cannot be calculated.

  Then, it is determined whether the calculated ratio is 10 (an example of an abnormal value, an example of a first predetermined value) or more (S1802). If the calculated ratio is 10 or more (S1802: Yes), the input device S1808 is because there is a high possibility that an illegal act is performed by an unauthorized person or that the input devices 521a and 521b are out of order. Move on to processing. In this embodiment, it is determined whether the calculated ratio is 10 (an example of an abnormal value) or more. However, the numerical value (abnormal value) to be determined is an arbitrary value (for example, 5 or 15). Also good. In this embodiment, it is determined whether the calculated ratio is 10 or more. Even if the ratio calculated in the process of S1801 is a numerical value less than 1, the reciprocal of the ratio is not used as the calculation result. The ratio calculated here may be configured to determine whether it is equal to or less than 0.1 (an example of a second predetermined value). Moreover, you may comprise so that it may determine whether the calculated ratio is 10 (an example of 1st predetermined value) or more, or 0.1 (an example of 2nd predetermined value) or less.

  On the other hand, if the calculated ratio is less than 10 in the processing of S1802 (S1802: No), the ratio between the value of the second article cumulative input number counter 1113v2 and the value of the third article accumulated input number counter 1113v3 is set to the ratio. Calculate (S1803). The ratio calculated here is a ratio in which the value of one counter 1113v2, 1113v3 is 1 (reference). If the calculated ratio is a numerical value less than 1, the reciprocal of the calculated ratio is used as the calculation result in the processing of S1803.

  As described above, when the number of game balls necessary for starting a game (for example, “5” or “15”) is taken into the gaming machine 1001, almost the same number of game balls are taken in by each of the input devices 521a to 521c. The game balls are taken in all at once by the input devices 521a to 521c. Therefore, while the game ball is being taken in normally, the values of the accumulated thrown-in counters 1113v1 to 1113v3 in the first to third articles are increased in substantially the same number. .

  However, as described above, for example, an unauthorized person uses an unauthorized device to actually pass a game ball when there is no game ball, and upstream optical sensors 550a1 to 550c1 and downstream opticals. It is also conceivable to perform an unauthorized operation (an example of fraud) that causes the type sensors 550a2 to 550c2 to erroneously detect and count that the game ball has been inserted.

  In order to perform such a fraudulent act, it is necessary to allow an unauthorized instrument to enter the input devices 521a to 521c for each of the input devices 521a to 521c, so that three input devices 521a to 521c (first It is difficult to carry out cheating simultaneously in all of Articles 3 to 3). That is, cheating is easily performed on any one of the input devices 521a to 521c.

  As described above, when the number of game balls necessary for starting a game (for example, “5” or “15”) is taken into the gaming machine 1001, almost the same number of game balls are taken in by each of the input devices 521a to 521c. The game balls are taken in all at once by the input devices 521a to 521c. For example, if a fraudulent act is performed in any of the throwing devices 521a to 521c in a state where no gaming balls are stored in the upper plate 36, the gaming ball is only played in the throwing devices 521a to 521c in which the cheating is performed. Counted as being charged. In other words, the game balls are not taken in the other throwing devices 521a to 521c, and a timeout occurs. Therefore, the game balls are repeatedly distributed (retry process), and only the throwing devices 521a to 521c where the cheating is performed are used. Is taken in. Therefore, in the throwing devices 521a to 521c in which the cheating is performed, the number of game balls taken in is larger than that of the other throwing devices 521a to 521c.

  On the other hand, even if a fraudulent act is performed in any of the throwing devices 521a to 521c in the state where the game balls are stored in the upper plate 36, if the fraudulent person takes trouble or fails in the fraudulent act, In the throwing-in devices 521a to 521c that have been performed, it becomes impossible to count the gaming balls as being thrown. That is, in the throwing-in devices 521a to 521c in which the cheating is performed, the gaming balls stored in the upper plate 36 cannot flow because illegal tools have entered, and the gaming balls are not counted as being thrown in. Since a timeout occurs, game balls are repeatedly distributed (retry processing), and game balls are taken in by the other input devices 521a to 521c. Therefore, in the throwing devices 521a to 521c in which the cheating is performed, the number of game balls counted as thrown is smaller than the other throwing devices 521a to 521c. Therefore, as described above, when there is a difference in the number of game balls taken in by each of the input devices 521a to 521c, there is a high possibility that any of the input devices 521a to 521c has been cheating. .

  In addition, there is a high possibility that any one of the sensors 550a1 to 550c1 and 550a2 to 550c2 has failed. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the ratio of the number of game balls taken in each of the input devices 521a to 521c is calculated, and if the ratio is greatly different from 1 (equivalent) (if the ratio is 10 or more), It is determined that there is a high possibility that fraud has been carried out.

  For example, in the case where the values of the accumulated input counters 1113v1 to 1113v3 in the first to third articles are directly compared, in order to determine whether there is a predetermined difference between the values of the counters 1113v1 to 1113v3 A reference value for the difference is required. Here, when the number of game balls required for starting the game is small (for example, “5”), the difference between the values of the counters 1113v1 to 1113v3 is also small, so the reference value of the difference needs to be small. However, if the reference value of the difference is reduced, there is a high possibility that it is determined that an illegal act is being performed even if a normal game ball is inserted. On the other hand, when the reference value of the difference is increased, there is a high possibility that it is determined that a normal game ball has been inserted even if an illegal act is performed.

  In addition, when the number of game balls necessary for starting the game is large (for example, “15”), the difference between the counters 1113v1 to 1113v3 also increases, so that the difference reference value needs to be increased. However, if the difference reference value is increased, it takes time for the difference between the counters 1113v1 to 1113v3 to exceed the difference reference value, and it is not possible to detect an illegal input at an early stage.

  That is, according to the number of game balls (for example, “5” or “15”) necessary for the game start in the configuration in which the values of the accumulated input number counters 1113v1 to 1113v3 in the first to third articles are directly compared, If the reference value of the difference is not changed, the accuracy of determining whether an illegal act is performed is deteriorated. Therefore, in order to improve the accuracy of the determination, the program must be changed so that the reference value of the difference is changed according to the number of game balls necessary for starting the game (for example, “5” or “15”). The design burden increases.

  In the present embodiment, the ratio of the values of the two counters 1113v1 to 1113v3 among the cumulative input number counters 1113v1 to 1113v3 of the first to third articles is calculated for all combinations, and the ratio is 10 or more. Whether or not a normal game ball is thrown in or a cheating is performed regardless of the number of game balls (for example, “5” or “15”) necessary to start the game. Can be determined accurately and early. Further, since it is not necessary to change the program according to the number of game balls required for starting the game (for example, “5” or “15”), the number of game balls required for starting the game is different (for example, “10”, "20" etc.) The program can be shared with other game machines, and the design burden can be reduced.

  When the processing of S1803 is completed, it is next determined whether the calculated ratio is 10 or more (S1804). If the calculated ratio is 10 or more (S1804: Yes), the input device 521b or the input device 521c is informed. This is a case where game balls are thrown in unevenly, and there is a high possibility that fraudulent acts are being carried out by fraudsters or that the throwing devices 521b and 521c are out of order, so the process proceeds to S1808. On the other hand, if the calculated ratio is less than 10 in the processing of S1804 (S1804: No), the ratio between the value of the third article cumulative input number counter 1113v3 and the value of the first article cumulative input number counter 1113v1 Is calculated (S1805). The ratio calculated here is a ratio in which the value of one counter 1113v3, 1113v1 is 1 (reference). When the calculated ratio is a numerical value less than 1, the reciprocal of the calculated ratio is used as the calculation result in the processing of S1805.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the calculated ratio is 10 or more (S1806). If the calculated ratio is less than 10 (S1806: No), the possibility of fraud is low, and the input device Since there is also a low possibility that 521a to 521c are out of order, it can be determined that normal insertion has been performed. Therefore, the payout prohibition flag 1113t is set to 0 (S1807), and this concentrated input monitoring process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the calculated ratio is 10 or more in the processing of S1806 (S1806: Yes), it is a case where the throwing of the game ball is biased to the throwing device 521c or the throwing device 521a. There is a high possibility that it has been performed or that the input devices 521c and 521a have failed. Therefore, the process proceeds to S1808. In the process of S1808, the payout prohibition flag 1113t is set to 1 (S1808), and this concentrated input monitoring process is terminated.

  As a result, when there is a high possibility that an illegal act is performed (that is, when the payout prohibition flag 1113t is 1), the game is performed by the process of S204 of FIG. 47 or the process of S873 of FIG. Dispensing of balls is prohibited. Therefore, since it is possible to prevent the game balls that are not actually thrown out from being paid out, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that is excellent in anti-fraud measures. In addition, it is possible to suppress the loss of the hall personnel. In this embodiment, the payout prohibition flag 1113t is set to 1 by the processing of S1808, but instead, an error notification process may be executed to notify the occurrence of an error of an illegal act. This error notification process may be an infinite loop, and the error may be configured to be resolved only by resetting the gaming machine 1001. With this configuration, it is possible to reliably report the occurrence of the error to a game clerk or the like. In addition, by making the error notification process an infinite loop, the player cannot continue the subsequent game, so the cheating cannot be continued, and therefore the cheating can be prevented from being executed. Therefore, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that is excellent in anti-fraud measures and to suppress the occurrence of a loss in hall personnel.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the number of game balls thrown into the respective throwing devices 521a to 521c from the time when the main power source of the gaming machine 1001 is turned on until the main power source is shut off is the number of accumulated thrown number counters 1113v1 to 1113v1. Although it is the structure which accumulates and adds to 1113v3, when determination of S1806 is No, you may comprise so that all the counters 1113v1 to 1113v3 may be set to the initial value (1) (it resets).

  That is, when it is determined that the game balls are normally inserted (S1806: No), by setting all the counters 1113v1 to 1113v3 to the initial value (1), the cumulative number of game balls that have been normally inserted is accumulated. No need to consider. Even if the game balls are inserted normally, as the number of game balls accumulates, the variation in the values of the counters 1113v1 to 1113v3 increases, so taking into account the accumulation of the number of game balls successfully inserted, When comparing the ratio of the values of the accumulated input number counters 1113v1 to 1113v3 in Articles 1 to 3, the numerical value for determining the presence or absence of the difference (10 in this embodiment) is increased. It is desirable to keep it.

  However, when the determination in S1806 is No, if the configuration is such that all the counters 1113v1 to 1113v3 are set to the initial value (1), it is not necessary to consider the accumulation of the number of game balls that have been normally inserted. When comparing the ratio of the values of the accumulated input number counters 1113v1 to 1113v3 in the first to third articles, a numerical value for determining the presence / absence of a difference (in this embodiment, 10 is assumed, but for example, 2 ) Can be made small, and it is possible to accurately and quickly determine whether or not to throw in.

  Further, in the above-described centralized input monitoring process, the input ratio of the number of input game balls is calculated for all combinations of two input items among the three input items (input devices 521a to 521c). Therefore, since the input ratio is calculated without omission, it is possible to determine the determination of the input by the illegal act with the highest accuracy. Further, in the above-described centralized input monitoring process, the ratios of the cumulative input number counters 1113v1 to 1113v3 in the first to third items are compared, but the input number counter 1113j is replaced with each input device 521a to 521c. It is also possible to provide for each input item (for each input item) and compare the ratio of the input number counter 1113j for each input item.

  In addition, if it is provided for each input device 521a to 521c (for each input item) and the input number counter 1113j for each input item is initialized for each game (normal game or JAC game), You may comprise so that the difference of the input number counter 1113j for every input strip may be compared. Since the value is initialized for each game, there is almost no variation between the input items, and if the difference is large (for example, 3 to 15), it can be determined that the input is due to fraud.

  Further, in the above-described centralized input monitoring process, the input ratio of the number of input game balls is calculated for all combinations of two input items among the three input items (input devices 521a to 521c). However, on the basis of one throwing item, the throwing ratio of the number of game balls in each throwing item may be calculated for all throwing items. In the centralized input monitoring process described above, it is determined whether the ratio of the values of the accumulated input number counters 1113v1 to 1113v3 in the first to third articles is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (10). When the difference between the accumulated input counters 1113v1 to 1113v3 in the first to third articles is calculated and the difference becomes equal to or larger than a predetermined value (for example, 100 (an example of a third predetermined value)). Alternatively, it may be determined that an illegal act is being performed.

  Further, in the above-described centralized input monitoring process, the input ratio of the number of input game balls is calculated for all combinations of two input items among the three input items (input devices 521a to 521c). Calculates only the ratio of the maximum and minimum values of the number of inputs, or the difference between the maximum and minimum values of the number of inputs among the number of input of each game ball corresponding to the three input items provided You may comprise as follows. Then, it may be determined whether the calculated value is a predetermined value or more.

  Moreover, although the above-described centralized input monitoring process is configured to be executed when the return lever 38 is operated (see FIGS. 47 and 49), it is necessary to start one game (normal game, JAC game). It may be configured to be executed every time a large number of game balls (for example, “5”, “15”) are inserted. With this configuration, the update rate of the input ratio can be increased. Therefore, when an illegal act is performed by an unauthorized person, the calculated ratio is likely to be 10 or more, and the payout prohibition flag 1113t is set to 1. It becomes easy. As a result, when there is a high possibility that an illegal act is performed (that is, when the payout prohibition flag 1113t is 1), the game is performed by the process of S204 of FIG. 47 or the process of S873 of FIG. Dispensing of balls is prohibited. Therefore, since it is possible to prevent the game balls that are not actually thrown out from being paid out, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that is excellent in anti-fraud measures.

  Further, although the above-described concentrated input monitoring process is configured to be executed when the return lever 38 is operated (see FIGS. 47 and 49), it is necessary to start a plurality of (for example, “10”) games. It may be configured such that it is executed whenever a certain number of game balls are inserted or when a certain number (for example, “5000”) of game balls is inserted. If comprised in this way, an injection | throwing-in ratio can be updated in the state in which each injection | throwing-in number of the three injection | throwing-in articles (injection apparatus 521a-521c) is larger. That is, the difference in the calculation result of the input ratio when an illegal act is performed becomes more prominent as the number of inputs of the three input strips (input devices 521a to 521c) increases. Accuracy can be improved. Therefore, the reliability of discovery of fraud can be improved.

  Moreover, although the above-described centralized input monitoring process is configured to be executed when the return lever 38 is operated (see FIGS. 47 and 49), it is necessary to start one game (normal game, JAC game). Each time a large number of game balls (for example, “5”, “15”) are inserted, a number of game balls necessary for starting a plurality of (for example, “10”) games, and a certain number (for example, It may be executed when each condition is satisfied among the cases where the number of game balls of “5000”) is inserted, or may be executed when any two conditions are satisfied.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 49, the input execution process A will be described. FIG. 49 is a flowchart showing the input execution process A executed by the main controller 110 in the second embodiment. This throwing execution process A is distributed to each throwing device 521a to 521c by the throwing number sorting process (see FIG. 31), and thereafter, the number of game balls started to be thrown by each throwing device 521a to 521c. This is a process for counting and managing the end of the input. Further, it is a process executed instead of the input execution process (S816 in FIG. 32).

  In addition, in the execution execution process A in FIG. 32 described above (S816), the process in S860 is replaced with the process in S1702 and the continuous input monitoring process (S1703), and the input in FIG. 32 described above. The processing of S852 to S854 of the execution processing (S816) and the processing of fraud determination processing at the time of insertion (S854) are respectively replaced with the above-described centralized input monitoring processing (S1701) of FIG.

  In the loading execution process A, it is first determined whether the return lever 38 has been operated (S851). When the operation of the return lever 38 is detected by the return lever detection switch 38a (S851: Yes), the above-described concentrated input monitoring process (S1701) is executed. If this concentrated throw-in monitoring process (S1701) is executed and it is determined that the throwing of game balls is biased toward specific throw-in devices 521a to 521c (special articles) and fraudulent acts are being performed, payout is prohibited. The flag 1113t is set to ON (for example, “1”). On the other hand, when it is determined that no fraud has been performed, the payout prohibition flag 1113t is set to off (for example, “0”).

  After execution of the centralized input monitoring process (S1701), the process proceeds to S872, and it is determined whether the payout prohibition flag 1113t is set to ON (S872). In the execution process A, the central input monitoring process (S1701) is executed instead of the processes in S852 to S854 in the input execution process (S816) of FIG. 32 described above. And the centralized input monitoring process may be executed together.

  In addition, in the insertion execution process A, the process of S859 is executed to check whether or not the inserted game ball has completed the passage of the insertion sensor units 550a to 550c of the article. In the process of S859, if the game ball has completed the passage of the insertion sensor units 550a to 550c of the item (S859: Yes), it is determined that one game ball has been inserted, The value of the number of pieces to be inserted is counted one by one, and 1 is added to each of the values of the inputted number counter 1113j and the accumulated number counters 1113v1 to 1113v3 of the item (S1702).

  Then, a continuous input monitoring process is executed (S1703), and then the process of S861 is executed. Although the details will be described later, the continuous throw-in monitoring process (S1703) is a process for confirming whether or not the game balls are thrown continuously on the same throwing strip (the throwing devices 521a to 521c). It is. In the present embodiment, the continuous insertion monitoring process is executed every time one game ball is detected, so it is possible to confirm whether or not an illegal act has been performed in more detail. In addition, in the present embodiment, 1 is accumulated and added to the accumulated number-of-inputs counters 1113v1 to 1113v3 by the processing of S1702 until the main power is turned off after the main power of the gaming machine 1001 is turned on. However, each time the normal game or the JAC game is finished, the accumulated inserted number counters 1113v1 to 1113v3 may be set to the initial value (1) (reset).

  Further, in the loading execution process A, the process of S871 is executed, and it is next determined whether the return lever 38 has been operated. In the process of S871, the process waits until the return lever 38 is operated (S871: No). On the other hand, when the operation of the return lever 38 is detected by the return lever detection switch 38a (S871: Yes), the above-described concentrated input monitoring process (S1701) is executed. If this concentrated throw-in monitoring process (S1701) is executed and it is determined that the throwing of game balls is biased toward specific throw-in devices 521a to 521c (special articles) and fraudulent acts are being performed, payout is prohibited. The flag 1113t is set to ON (for example, “1”). On the other hand, when it is determined that no fraud has been performed, the payout prohibition flag 1113t is set to off (for example, “0”).

  After execution of the centralized input monitoring process (S1701), the process proceeds to S872, and it is determined whether the payout prohibition flag 1113t is set to ON (S872). In the execution process A, the central execution monitoring process (S1701) is executed in place of the illegality determination process (S854) at the time of the input execution process (S816) of FIG. It may be configured to execute both the time fraud determination process and the centralized input monitoring process.

  Next, the continuous input monitoring process (S1703) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 50 is a flowchart showing the continuous input monitoring process (S1703) executed in the input execution process A of FIG. The continuous throw-in monitoring process (S1703) is a process for confirming whether or not the game balls have been thrown continuously by the same throwing strip (throwing devices 521a to 521c). This continuous throw-in monitoring process (S1703) is a process that is executed every time completion of the passing of a game ball is detected (see S859 to S1703 in FIG. 49). Further, during execution of the continuous insertion monitoring process, a value indicating the insertion devices 521a to 521c in which the completion of the passing of the game ball is detected is stored in the input item pointer 1113n.

  In the continuous insertion monitoring process, first, it is determined whether or not the value of the previous passage completion detection item pointer 1113w is equal to the value of the input item pointer 1113n (S1831). That is, it is determined whether or not the insertion devices 521a to 521c in which the previous completion of the game ball is detected are the same as the insertion devices 521a to 521c in which the current completion of the game ball is detected. When the value of the previous passage completion detection item pointer 1113w is equal to the value of the insertion item pointer 1113n (S1831: Yes), that is, the insertion devices 521a to 521c in which the previous completion of the passing of the game ball is detected, and the current game ball If the insertion devices 521a to 521c in which the completion of the passage is detected are the same, 1 is added to the value of the same continuous insertion number counter 1113x (S1832).

  On the other hand, when the value of the previous passage completion detection item pointer 1113w is different from the value of the insertion item pointer 1113n (S1831: No), that is, the insertion devices 521a to 521c in which the previous completion of the passing of the game ball is detected, If the insertion devices 521a to 521c from which the completion of the passing of the game ball is different, 0 is stored in the same row continuous insertion number counter 1113x, and the counter 1113x is reset (S1833).

  Next, the value of the current input item pointer 1113n is stored in the previous passage completion detection item pointer 1113w (S1834), and it is determined whether the value of the same item continuous input number counter 1113x is 100 or more (S1835). In the processing of S1835, when the value of the same item continuous input number counter 1113x is 100 or more (S1835: Yes), the game ball is input 100 times continuously with the same input item (injection devices 521a to 521c). This is the case, and since there is a high possibility that fraudulent acts have been performed by the fraudulent person or that the input devices 521a to 521c are out of order, error notification processing is executed (S1836). In the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not the value of the same row continuous input number counter 1113x is 100 or more, but the value to be determined may be another value (for example, 80 or 150).

  The error notification process of S1836 is an infinite loop, and the error can be solved only by resetting the gaming machine 1001. Therefore, the occurrence of the error can be surely reported to a game shop clerk or the like. As described above, in the throwing devices 521a to 521c, when there is a high possibility that fraudulent throwing has been performed, an error of fraudulent throwing is generated, an error notification process is looped infinitely, the progress of the game, and the game ball Stop (prohibit) payout of Therefore, since it is possible to prevent the game balls that are not actually thrown out from being paid out, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that is excellent in anti-fraud measures. In addition, if an illegal input error occurs due to some kind of fraud, the player cannot continue the subsequent game, so the cheating cannot be continued, and therefore execution of the fraud can be prevented in advance. Therefore, it is possible to provide a gaming machine excellent in anti-fraud measures.

  On the other hand, in the process of S1835, if the value of the same item continuous input number counter 1113x is less than 100 (S1835: No), it is unlikely that an illegal act has been performed. The monitoring process ends.

  As described above, when the number of game balls necessary for starting a game (for example, “5” or “15”) is taken into the gaming machine 1001, almost the same number of game balls are taken in by each of the input devices 521a to 521c. The game balls are taken in all at once by the input devices 521a to 521c.

  In addition, as described above, in order to perform an illegal act, it is necessary to make an unauthorized instrument enter the input devices 521a to 521c for each of the input devices 521a to 521c. It is difficult to carry out cheating simultaneously in all of (Articles 1 to 3). That is, cheating is easily performed on any one of the input devices 521a to 521c.

  That is, since the game balls are taken in simultaneously by the respective insertion devices 521a to 521c, when the game balls are continuously inserted by the same insertion devices 521a to 521c, the continuous number of times is a predetermined number (for example, If the number exceeds the number of game balls distributed by the main control device 110), there is a high possibility that an illegal act has been performed in the input devices 521a to 521c. In addition, there is a high possibility that the sensors 550a1 to 550c1 and 550a2 to 550c2 are out of order.

  In the present embodiment, when it is determined by the continuous insertion determination process that the game balls have been continuously input 100 times or more on the same input line (the input devices 521a to 521c) (S1835: Yes), an illegal operation is performed. It is determined that there is a high possibility that the actor is cheating or the input devices 521a to 521c are out of order. Further, the ratio of the number of game balls taken in by the respective input devices 521a to 521c is compared by the central input monitoring process (see FIG. 48), and if the ratio is 10 or more, an illegal act is performed. It is determined that the possibility is high. Accordingly, it is determined whether or not the game balls are thrown into the specific input devices 521a to 521c (specific items) among the three input devices 521a to 521c (first items to third items). Since different types of monitoring can be performed, an excellent gaming machine can be provided by countermeasures against fraud.

  Further, as described above, even if the number of game balls necessary for starting the game (for example, “5” or “15”) is normally inserted, each counter 1113v1 increases as the number of game balls accumulates. Since the variation in the value of 1113v3 also increases, the ratio of the values of the accumulated thrown number counters 1113v1 to 1113v3 in the first to third articles is compared in consideration of the accumulation of the number of game balls that have been thrown in normally. For this, it is desirable to increase the reference value (in this embodiment, 10) for determining the presence or absence of the difference. However, if the reference value for determining the presence / absence of the difference is increased, it takes time until the ratio of the values of the counters 1113v1 to 1113v3 exceeds the reference value for determining the presence / absence of the difference. It cannot be discovered early.

  In the present embodiment, even if the reference value for determining the presence / absence of a difference is increased in the centralized input monitoring process, the same input item (the input devices 521a to 521c) is used to input the game balls by the continuous input determination process. If it is determined that the fraudulent act is performed by the fraudulent person, it can be determined that the fraudulent act is performed. Therefore, even if the values of the respective counters 1113v1 to 1113v3 increase, Dispensing of game balls can be prohibited. Therefore, an excellent gaming machine can be provided by countermeasures against fraud. In addition, it is possible to suppress the loss of the hall personnel.

  It is also conceivable that a fraudulent person performs a fraudulent act while sequentially changing the input devices 521a to 521c that perform the fraud. When such a fraudulent act is performed and the ratio of the number of game balls taken in by each of the throwing devices 521a to 521c is approximate, the throwing by the fraudulent act is detected by the above-described centralized throw monitoring process (see FIG. 48). It takes time. However, even in such a case, if it is determined by the continuous insertion determination process that the game ball has been inserted 100 times or more continuously on the same insertion line (the insertion devices 521a to 521c), the illegal act It can be determined that there is a possibility that the person is cheating. Therefore, since it is possible to prohibit the payout of game balls at an early stage, it is possible to prohibit the payout of game balls to the fraudster, and it is possible to provide a gaming machine excellent in anti-fraud measures.

  As described above, the present invention has been described based on each embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be easily made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It can be guessed.

  For example, in the normal process A (see FIG. 47) and the throw execution process A (see FIG. 49) in the second embodiment, when the operation of the return lever 38 is detected by the return lever detection switch 38a, the concentrated throw monitoring is performed. The process (see FIG. 48) is executed, but instead, the continuous input monitoring process (see FIG. 50) may be executed, or the concentrated input monitoring process and the continuous input monitoring process are executed respectively. It may be configured. When configured to execute centralized input monitoring processing and continuous input monitoring processing, it is possible to determine whether fraudulent activity has been performed using multiple determination methods. It can be determined, and an excellent gaming machine can be provided by countermeasures against fraud.

  In the second embodiment, when the operation of the return lever 38 is detected by the return lever detection switch 38a, the centralized input monitoring process (see FIG. 48) is executed, but the operation of the start lever 31 is not performed. When detected by the start lever detection switch 31a, one of the concentrated charging monitoring process (see FIG. 48) and the continuous charging monitoring process (see FIG. 50) may be executed. You may comprise so that a monitoring process and a continuous injection | throwing-in monitoring process may each be performed. According to this configuration, when the start lever 31 is operated, if there is a high possibility that the illegal insertion has been performed, an error of illegal insertion is generated, an error notification process is looped infinitely, the progress of the game, and , Stop paying out game balls. Therefore, since it is possible to prevent the game balls that are not actually thrown out from being paid out, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that is excellent in anti-fraud measures. In addition, if an illegal input error occurs due to some kind of fraud, the player cannot continue the subsequent game, so the cheating cannot be continued, and therefore execution of the fraud can be prevented in advance. Therefore, it is possible to provide a gaming machine excellent in anti-fraud measures. In addition, when it is configured to execute the centralized input monitoring process and the continuous input monitoring process, it is possible to determine whether the illegal act is performed by using a plurality of determination methods. It can be determined with high accuracy. Therefore, an excellent gaming machine can be provided by countermeasures against fraud.

  In the second embodiment, when the operation of the return lever 38 is detected by the return lever detection switch 38a, the concentrated insertion monitoring process (see FIG. 48) is executed, but the bet switch 35 is pressed. In this case, one of the centralized input monitoring process and the continuous input monitoring process may be executed, or the centralized input monitoring process and the continuous input monitoring process may be executed respectively. good. According to this configuration, when the bet switch 35 is pressed, if there is a high possibility that an illegal insertion has been performed, an illegal insertion error is generated, an error notification process is looped infinitely, the progress of the game, and , Stop paying out game balls. Therefore, since it is possible to prevent the game balls that are not actually thrown out from being paid out, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that is excellent in anti-fraud measures. In addition, if an illegal input error occurs due to some kind of fraud, the player cannot continue the subsequent game, so the cheating cannot be continued, and therefore execution of the fraud can be prevented in advance. Therefore, it is possible to provide a gaming machine excellent in anti-fraud measures. In addition, when it is configured to execute the centralized input monitoring process and the continuous input monitoring process, it is possible to determine whether the illegal act is performed by using a plurality of determination methods. It can be determined with high accuracy. Therefore, an excellent gaming machine can be provided by countermeasures against fraud.

  Further, when the operation of the return lever 38 is detected by the return lever detection switch 38a, when the operation of the start lever 31 is detected by the start lever detection switch 31a, and when the bet switch 35 is pressed. Of these, when each condition is satisfied, it may be configured to execute one of the centralized input monitoring process and the continuous input monitoring process, or the centralized input monitoring process and the continuous input monitoring process are performed respectively. It may be configured to execute.

  Further, when the operation of the return lever 38 is detected by the return lever detection switch 38a, when the operation of the start lever 31 is detected by the start lever detection switch 31a, and when the bet switch 35 is pressed. Of these, when either two conditions are satisfied, either the centralized input monitoring process or the continuous input monitoring process may be executed, or the centralized input monitoring process and the continuous input monitoring may be performed. You may comprise so that a process may be performed, respectively.

  Further, in the first embodiment, when the return lever 38 is operated, the standby fraud determination process (see FIG. 33) or the throwing fraud determination process (see FIG. 34) is executed, and the illegal throwing is performed. If there is a high possibility that the game is progressing, the game progress and the game ball payout are stopped (prohibited), but the operation of the start lever 31 is detected by the start lever detection switch 31a. In addition, if the standby fraud determination process (see FIG. 33) or the throw-in fraud determination process (see FIG. 34) is executed and there is a high possibility that the illegal throwing has been performed, the progress of the game and the game ball It may be configured to stop (prohibit) payout. According to this configuration, when the start lever 31 is operated, it is possible to stop (prohibit) the progress of the game and the payout of the game ball if there is a high possibility that the illegal insertion has been performed. Therefore, since it is possible to prevent the game balls that are not actually thrown out from being paid out, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that is excellent in anti-fraud measures. In addition, if an illegal input error occurs due to some kind of fraud, the player cannot continue the subsequent game, so the cheating cannot be continued, and therefore execution of the fraud can be prevented in advance. Therefore, it is possible to provide a gaming machine excellent in anti-fraud measures.

  Further, in the first embodiment, when the return lever 38 is operated, the standby fraud determination process (see FIG. 33) or the throwing fraud determination process (see FIG. 34) is executed, and the illegal throwing is performed. If there is a high probability that the game has progressed, the game progress and the game ball payout are stopped (prohibited). 33), or the throwing fraud determination process (see FIG. 34) is executed, and if there is a high possibility that fraudulent throwing has been performed, the progress of the game and the payout of the game ball are stopped (prohibited). You may comprise. According to this configuration, when the start lever 31 is operated, it is possible to stop (prohibit) the progress of the game and the payout of the game ball if there is a high possibility that the illegal insertion has been performed. Therefore, since it is possible to prevent the game balls that are not actually thrown out from being paid out, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that is excellent in anti-fraud measures. In addition, if an illegal input error occurs due to some kind of fraud, the player cannot continue the subsequent game, so the cheating cannot be continued, and therefore execution of the fraud can be prevented in advance. Therefore, it is possible to provide a gaming machine excellent in anti-fraud measures.

  In addition, when the return lever 38 is operated, when the start lever 31 is operated, and when the bet switch 35 is pressed, when the respective conditions are satisfied, the time fraud determination process ( 33) or throwing fraud determination processing (see FIG. 34) is executed, and if there is a high possibility that fraudulent throwing has been performed, the progress of the game and the payout of the game ball are stopped (prohibited). You may comprise as follows.

  In addition, when the return lever 38 is operated, when the start lever 31 is operated, or when the bet switch 35 is pressed, any one of the two conditions is satisfied, the time is illegal. If the determination process (see FIG. 33) or the throwing-in fraud determination process (see FIG. 34) is executed and there is a high possibility that the illegal throwing has been performed, the progress of the game and the payout of the game ball are stopped ( (Prohibited).

  In the above embodiment, in order not to take in too many game balls, the game balls to be taken in by each of the throwing devices 521a to 521c are one remaining ball, and the last ball is the upstream side of each of the throwing sensor units 550a to 550c. When detection is started by the optical sensors 550a1 to 550c1 (detection of the start of passage), energization to each of the closing solenoids 534a to 534c is stopped, but when the game balls are not taken in excessively, the last One ball completes passing through each of the input sensor units 550a to 550c, and when the completion of passage of the game ball is detected by each of the input sensor units 550a to 550c, the energization to each of the input solenoids 534a to 534c is stopped. You may comprise.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, when the return lever 38 is operated by the player etc. and a ball jam (ball-suspended state AC) is eliminated, the game ball with which the ball was jammed is thrown into the throwing-in apparatus 521a-521c. However, a configuration may be adopted in which a game ball packed with a ball is not counted (ignored) as a game ball inserted. The case where the ball is clogged is a case where an abnormality has occurred in the gaming machines 1 and 1001. Therefore, even if the abnormality is canceled, there is a possibility that the game balls are counted erroneously. Moreover, when the ball-hanging state has occurred, there is a possibility that an illegal act has been performed. Therefore, even if a ball clog occurs and the ball clog is released, it is possible to make a countermeasure against fraud in the gaming machines 1 and 1001 desirable by not counting the game balls that have been clogged. The accuracy of counting spheres can also be improved.

  Further, in the throwing execution process (see FIG. 32) of the above embodiment, when a ball clogging (ball suspended state A to C) occurs and the timeout time (360 ms or 300 ms) has elapsed, the process of S870 A ball clogging (ball suspended state A, B, C) has occurred for some reason in the gaming machine 1, and the ball clogging (ball suspended state A, B, C) is resolved by operating the return lever 38. The lamps 6 and 7, the speaker 8, and the liquid crystal display unit 81 are informed of what can be done, but when the ball clogging (ball suspended state A to C) occurs, The lamp 6 indicates that the ball clogging (ball hanging state A, B, C) has occurred and that the ball clogging (ball hanging state A, B, C) can be eliminated by operating the return lever 38. It may be configured to notify with a speaker 8 and liquid crystal display unit 81. In addition, when a ball clogging (ball hanging state A to C) occurs and a timeout time (360 ms or 300 ms) has elapsed, a ball clogging (ball hanging state A to C) occurs, and the bet switch 35 In both cases, the ball is clogged (ball suspended state A, B, C), and the ball clogged by operating the return lever 38 (ball suspended state A, B, C). ) Can be eliminated using the lamps 6 and 7, the speaker 8, and the liquid crystal display unit 81.

  Further, in the above embodiment, when the number of game balls corresponding to the base game or the JAC game is inserted (taken in) into the gaming machines 1 and 1001, the number of game balls to be inserted is completed. If the time-out period elapses, a retry process (re-injection process (S813 to S820 in FIG. 30)) is executed. If the time-out period elapses, a ball clogging (ball suspension states A to C) occurs. If this is the case, immediately turn off all the closing solenoids 534a to 534c, prohibit the retry process, and indicate that the ball clogging (ball suspended state A, B, C) has occurred, lamps 6, 7, speaker 8 or the liquid crystal display unit 81 may be used for notification. If a ball clogging (ball suspended state A to C) has occurred, there is a possibility that an illegal act has been performed. Therefore, immediately by turning off all the input solenoids 534a to 534c, It is possible to prevent the above-described unauthorized equipment from being removed from the gaming machines 1 and 1001 (extracted from the input devices 521a to 521c) when the actor is cheating. Therefore, when a fraudulent act is performed, the trace is likely to remain, so that it becomes easier for hall personnel to find the fraudulent act. In addition, the notification allows the player and the hall personnel to recognize that there is an abnormality, so that the abnormality can be quickly dealt with, and the game can be prevented from being interrupted for a long time due to the abnormality. Moreover, since the hall related person can recognize that there is a possibility of a fraudulent act, it becomes easy to find the fraudulent act and can suppress the fraudulent act.

  When the ball clogging (ball-suspended state A to C) occurs, if the bet switch 35 is pressed, the full-loading solenoids 534a to 534c are immediately turned off, the retry process is prohibited, and the ball clogging occurs. You may comprise so that it may alert | report that the (ball suspension state A, B, C) has generate | occur | produced using the lamps 6 and 7, the speaker 8, and the liquid crystal display unit 81. FIG. In addition, when the time-out time elapses, when the ball clogging (ball hanging state A to C) occurs and when the ball clogging (ball hanging state A to C) occurs, the bet switch 35 is When both are pressed, all the closing solenoids 534a to 534c are immediately turned off, the retry process is prohibited, and the lamp 6 indicates that a ball clogging (ball suspended state A, B, C) has occurred. , 7, speaker 8 and liquid crystal display unit 81 may be used for notification. Further, when the ball clogging (ball suspended state A to C) occurs, if the start lever 31 or the return lever 38 is operated, the full-loading solenoids 534a to 534c are immediately turned off to perform the retry process. The lamps 6 and 7, the speaker 8, and the liquid crystal display unit 81 may be used to notify that a clogged ball (ball-suspended states A, B, and C) has occurred.

  In the above embodiment, the sensors 550a1 to 550c1 and 550a2 to 550c2 of the input sensor units 550a to 550c are optical sensors, and the input downstream proximity sensor 555a is a magnetic detection type sensor. The sensors 550a1 to 550c1 and 550a2 to 550c2 of the sensor units 550a to 550c may be magnetic detection sensors, and the input downstream proximity sensor 555a may be an optical sensor. In the present embodiment, in order for an unauthorized person to perform unauthorized insertion, two sensors having different detection methods must be erroneously detected almost simultaneously. Therefore, when an illegal act is attempted, an operation for erroneously detecting the input sensor units 550a to 550c and erroneously detecting the input downstream side proximity sensor 555a is required. Therefore, the countermeasure against fraud in the charging device 521a can be made more desirable.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the three throwing strips (the throwing devices 521a to 521c are provided, but even if three or more throwing strips are provided, the present invention allows the fraudulent act to be performed by the fraudster. It can be determined whether there is a possibility of being broken.

  In the above embodiment, the game balls are sorted in the process of S813 in FIG. 31, and the total number of game balls thrown is sorted one by one for the rows for which the retry retry flags 113o1 to 113o3 are turned on. Instead of the processing of S813, game balls (game media) may be allocated to each item based on the result of dividing the total number of items inserted by the number of items for which the input retry flags 113o1 to 113o1 are turned on. In the case of this configuration, if the total thrown number cannot be divided by the number of items, the remaining number of game balls may be distributed to any item.

  Further, in the above embodiment, in the processing of S1215 in FIG. 41, the game balls are distributed so that the total payout number of game balls is distributed one by one for the items for which the payout retry flags 213g1 to 213g4 are turned on. However, instead of the processing of S1215, there is provided distribution means for distributing the game balls to each item based on the result of dividing the total number of game balls to be paid out by the number of items for which the payout retry flags 213g1 to 213g4 are turned on. It may be configured. In the case of this configuration, when the total number of payouts cannot be divided by the number of ball paths 943a and 943b, the remaining number of game balls may be distributed to any of the items. Also, in the four ball passages 922 formed in the tank rail 920, one ball passage 922 (for example, the ball passage 922 on the starboard side in FIG. 17) is steeper than the other ball passages 922. As long as the structure is easy to flow in, the remaining game balls may be distributed to the ball path 922 having a steep slope.

  In the above embodiment, the timeout time is measured by subtracting the values of the input game ball counters 113q1 to 113q3, the input game ball timers 1113q1 to 1113q3, and the payout game ball counters 213i1 to 213i4. The predetermined time is added to the time-out time when the input game ball counter and the input game ball timer reach the predetermined values.

  In the above embodiment, the insertion sensor units 550a to 550c are configured as W sensors to detect (determine) the insertion start and insertion completion of the game ball. You may comprise so that it may detect. In this configuration, when the input sensor detects a game medium and a signal rises, the input starts, and when the game medium passes and the signal falls, the input is completed.

  Further, in the above embodiment, when a ball clogging (ball suspended state A, B, C) occurs when the return lever 38 is operated, the payout of the game ball is prohibited and the return lever 38 is operated. As a result, the clogged ball is released, and the game ball that has been clogged starts to drop in the insertion passages 526a to 526c. When the completion of the passage of the game ball that has been packed is detected by the insertion sensor units 550a to 550c, the game ball is allowed to be paid out. However, the insertion sensor units 550a to 550c that detect the completion of the passage are permitted. Instead, when the thrown downstream proximity sensors 555a to 555c detect the completion of the passing of the game ball, and when the thrown downstream side proximity sensors 555a to 555c detect the completion of the passing of the game ball, the game ball is allowed to be paid out. May be. For example, even if the cheating person misdetects the input downstream side proximity sensor 555a and knows that the payout of the game ball is permitted, the input downstream side proximity sensor 555a is connected to the input sensor unit 550a (each sensor 550a1 and 550a2) are arranged on the downstream side away from the 550a1 and 550a2), so that fraudulent acts can be made difficult and fraud countermeasures in the input device 521a can be desirable. Further, since it is difficult to perform an illegal act on the input downstream side proximity sensor 555a, the game ball is allowed to be paid out when the ball clogging is reliably resolved and the possibility of the illegal act is low. can do.

  Further, when the completion of the passage of the game ball is detected by both the input sensor units 550a to 550c and the input downstream side proximity sensors 555a to 555c, the payout of the game ball may be permitted. The sensors 550a1 to 550c1 and 550a2 to 550c2 of the input sensor units 550a to 550c are optical sensors, and the input downstream side proximity sensor 555a is a magnetic detection type sensor. In this case, two sensors having different detection methods must be erroneously detected almost simultaneously. Therefore, when an illegal act is attempted, an operation for erroneously detecting the input sensor units 550a to 550c and erroneously detecting the input downstream side proximity sensor 555a is required. Therefore, the countermeasure against fraud in the charging device 521a can be made more desirable. In addition, when the occurrence of the ball clogging (ball hanging state A, B, C) is temporary and the ball clogging is eliminated and the gaming machine 1 becomes normal, the game ball can be paid out. Therefore, it is possible to pay out a game ball to a player who normally plays a game without cheating, and it is possible to suppress the loss of the player who normally plays a game without cheating.

  Further, in the above embodiment, when a game ball is thrown in, the throw-in interval of the game balls is too long, or the time until the first game ball is thrown in is too long, and a timeout (300 ms or 360 ms) occurs. If it is determined that a ball clogging (ball suspended state A, B, C) has occurred (S 869 in FIG. 32), the game machine 1 causes a clogging for some reason by the processing in S870 in FIG. It is notified that the (ball suspended state A, B, C) has occurred and that the ball clogging (ball suspended state A, B, C) can be resolved by operating the return lever 38. When the occurrence of a ball clogging (ball suspended state A, B, C) continues for a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds, the second predetermined time) regardless of whether or not the game is being executed or the game is being executed. Ball clogging for some reason in machine 1 Ball suspension state A, B, C) has occurred, there is a high possibility that an illegal act has been performed, or the return lever 38 is operated to block the ball (ball suspension state A, B, C) It may be configured to notify that it is possible to solve the problem. For example, in the timer interrupt process (see FIG. 35), the sensor monitoring process A (see FIG. 38) for monitoring the duration time of the ball clogging is executed. By this notification, the player or the hall related person can recognize that there is an abnormality, so that the abnormality can be quickly dealt with, and the game can be prevented from being interrupted for a long time due to the abnormality. Moreover, since the hall related person can recognize that there is a possibility of a fraudulent act, it becomes easy to find the fraudulent act and can suppress the fraudulent act. Also, when a time-out occurs while a game ball is thrown in, a notification is given, and the occurrence of a ball clogging (ball suspended state A, B, C) continues for a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds, a second predetermined time). The structure which performs alerting | reporting may be sufficient.

  Further, in the above embodiment, when a ball clogging (ball suspended state A, B, C) occurs when the return lever 38 is operated, the payout of the game ball is prohibited and the return lever 38 is operated. As a result, the clogged ball is released, and the game ball that has been clogged starts to drop in the insertion passages 526a to 526c. When the completion of the passing of the game ball that has been packed is detected by the insertion sensor units 550a to 550c, the game ball is allowed to be paid out. In addition, after the return lever 38 is operated, The time until the game ball that has been packed is completed (or started to pass) through the input sensor units 550a to 550c is monitored, and the game is performed by the input sensor units 550a to 550c within a predetermined period (for example, 10 ms to 300 ms). It may be configured to permit the payout of the game ball when the completion of the passage of the ball (or the start of passage) is detected.

  If the game ball is clogged, the game ball is positioned in the immediate vicinity of the insertion sensor units 550a to 550c, so that after the return lever 38 is operated, the game ball that has been clogged is inserted into the insertion sensor unit. If it is too late (for example, 10 seconds) or too early (for example, 1 ms) until the passage of 550a to 550c is completed (or the start of passage), it is abnormal, It can be considered that the sensors 550a1 and 550a2 are out of order. Therefore, after the return lever 38 is operated, the time until the game ball that has been packed is completed (or started to pass) through the insertion sensor units 550a to 550c is, for example, within a range of 10 ms to 300 ms (predetermined) If it is within the period, the game ball is allowed to be paid out, and otherwise, the hall officials are informed that there is a high possibility of fraud. By this notification, hall personnel can recognize that there is a possibility of cheating, so it becomes easier to find cheating and suppress cheating. Further, according to this configuration, since it becomes more difficult for an unauthorized person to erroneously detect the insertion sensor units 550a to 550c, the unauthorized action can be made more difficult, and the countermeasure against the unauthorizedness in the insertion device 521a. Can be made more desirable.

  In addition, after the return lever 38 is operated, it is configured to monitor the time (period) until the game ball that has been clogged is completed to pass (or start to pass) through the input downstream side proximity sensor 555a. Or, after the return lever 38 is operated, until the game ball that has been clogged completes (or starts to pass) both of the input sensor units 550a to 550c and the input downstream side proximity sensor 555a. You may comprise so that each time (period) may be monitored. Further, the time (period) until the game ball that has been packed is completed to pass (or starts to pass) through the insertion sensor units 550a to 550c, and the game ball that has been packed is inserted downstream proximity sensor 555a. And the time (period) until completion of passage (or start of passage) may be monitored. In order for a fraudster to perform fraudulent insertion, two sensors with different detection methods must be erroneously detected almost simultaneously. Therefore, when an illegal act is attempted, an operation for erroneously detecting the input sensor units 550a to 550c and erroneously detecting the input downstream side proximity sensor 555a is required. Therefore, the countermeasure against fraud in the charging device 521a can be made more desirable.

  In addition to the above embodiment, in the gaming machine 1, 1001, the number of errors that occurred within a certain period (for example, from 5 hours before to the current time) is counted, and the number of occurrences of the error is a predetermined number (for example, 5 When the number of times exceeds the maximum number of times, it may be configured to notify hall personnel and the like that errors frequently occur. The case where the error frequently occurs is a case where fraudulent acts are frequently performed or a case where the gaming machine 1 is out of order. By this notification, hall personnel can recognize that there is a high possibility of cheating, so it becomes easy to find cheating and suppress cheating. In addition, since the hall personnel can recognize that the gaming machine 1 is out of order, the gaming machine 1 can be quickly inspected or repaired. The occurrence of an error is, for example, when it is determined that an illegal act has been performed, when a ball is clogged, when the phase change of a game ball is abnormal, or when an error notification process is executed, etc. It is. The occurrence of these errors may be counted individually, or each error may be counted collectively.

  Further, in the above embodiment, when the return lever 38 is operated by a player or a person involved in the hall, the discharge gate member 540 slides, and the claw portion 547a of the discharge gate member 540 is moved to the input gate member 530a. The game ball is held in contact with the clogged portion 532a and is stagnated. As a result, the stagnated game ball is released and starts dropping through the input passages 526a to 526c. As means for releasing a game ball that is stagnating, instead of operating the operation lever 38, when the stagnation of the game ball is detected by the insertion sensor units 550a to 550c, the energization to the insertion solenoids 534a to 534c is temporarily performed. (For example, for 100 ms), the gates 530a to 530c may be vibrated to break the balance of the game balls that are stagnating and to release the game balls. It should be noted that a vibration button may be provided in the gaming machine 1 so that the charging solenoids 534a to 534c are vibrated when the vibration button is pressed, or when a stagnation of the game ball is detected, The making solenoids 534a to 534c may be configured to vibrate, and the making solenoids 534a to 534c may be made to vibrate when the vibration button is pressed and when a stagnation of the game ball is detected, respectively. . According to such a configuration, even when a ball clogging (ball suspended state A, B, C) occurs, it is not necessary for a player or a person involved in the hall to operate the return lever 38. Can be reduced. Further, when the return lever 38 is operated, the already-entered game ball is returned. However, since the return lever 38 does not have to be operated, it is not necessary to re-enter the game ball, and the game can be started quickly. Can do. In addition, after energizing the closing solenoids 534a to 534c temporarily (for example, for 100 ms), if the ball suspension state is not resolved, the illegal insertion is performed, or one of the sensors 550a1, This is a case where 550a2 and 555a are out of order. Therefore, when the suspended ball state is not resolved, the lamps 6 and 7, the speaker 8, and the liquid crystal display unit 81 are used to notify that there is a possibility of an illegal act or an abnormality. By this notification, the player or the hall related person can recognize that there is an abnormality, so that the abnormality can be quickly dealt with, and the game can be prevented from being interrupted for a long time due to the abnormality. Further, since the hall personnel can recognize that there is a high possibility that fraud is being performed, it becomes easier to find fraud and can suppress fraud.

  Further, in addition to the above embodiment, the number of game balls passing through the input passages 526a to 526c is counted for each of the input passages 526a to 526c. You may monitor (ratio) whether it is not biased to input passages 526a-526c. If the plurality of input passages 526a to 526c are opened but the passing of game balls is biased to some of the input passages 526a to 526c, it means that an illegal input has been performed, It is possible that the sensors 550a1, 550a2, and 555a are out of order. Therefore, the lamps 6 and 7, the speaker 8, and the liquid crystal display unit 81 are used to notify that there is a possibility of fraud or that there is an abnormality. By this notification, the player or the hall related person can recognize that there is an abnormality, so that the abnormality can be quickly dealt with, and the game can be prevented from being interrupted for a long time due to the abnormality. Further, since the hall personnel can recognize that there is a high possibility that fraud is being performed, it becomes easier to find fraud and can suppress fraud.

  Further, in addition to the above-described embodiment, from when the input passages 526a to 526c are opened until the input passages 526a to 526c are closed (until taking in the allocated number of game balls (for example, five) is completed). May be monitored for each of the charging passages 526a to 526c. The time until some of the input passages 526a to 526c are closed is much earlier (eg, several times) or slower than the time until the other input passages 526a to 526c are closed. In such a case, it is considered that illegal insertion has been performed or that any one of the sensors 550a1, 550a2, and 555a has failed. Therefore, the lamps 6 and 7, the speaker 8, and the liquid crystal display unit 81 are used to notify that there is a possibility of fraud or that there is an abnormality. By this notification, the player or the hall related person can recognize that there is an abnormality, so that the abnormality can be quickly dealt with, and the game can be prevented from being interrupted for a long time due to the abnormality. Further, since the hall personnel can recognize that there is a high possibility that fraud is being performed, it becomes easier to find fraud and can suppress fraud. Instead of the time from when the input passages 526a to 526c are opened until the input passages 526a to 526c are closed, the input passages 526a to 526c are opened until the input passages 526a to 526c are closed. The number of game balls passing per predetermined time may be monitored.

  Hereinafter, in addition to the gaming machine of the present invention, concepts of various inventions included in the various embodiments described above are shown. In a gaming machine configured to be able to start a predetermined game when a predetermined number of game media are inserted, a storage means for storing a plurality of the game media, and the game media communicated with the storage means A passage through which the game medium flows, passage permission prohibiting means for allowing or prohibiting the passage of the game medium through the passage, and a passage downstream of the passage permission prohibiting means for detecting the game medium. 1 detection means, storage means for storing the number of inserted game media detected and input by the first detection means, and a payout request for input game media stored in the storage means And a first determination means for determining whether the game medium is detected by the first detection means when the payout request detection means detects the payout request. And a payout prohibiting means for prohibiting payout of the game medium in response to the payout request when it is determined by the first determination means that the game medium is detected. A1.

  According to the gaming machine A1, a plurality of game media stored in the storage means flows into the passage, and the game media flowing into the passage are allowed or prohibited from passing through the passage by the passage permission prohibiting means. Further, a first detection means for detecting a game medium is disposed downstream of the passage allowance prohibiting means, and the number of already inserted game media detected and input by the first detection means. Stored in the storage means. Then, when a payout request for the inserted game medium stored in the storage means is detected by the payout request means, the first determination means determines that the game medium is detected by the first detection means. Then, the payout of the game medium in response to the payout request is prohibited by the payout prohibiting means.

  Here, a description will be given of an illegal game medium input by an unauthorized person. For example, an illegal player inserts an illegal game medium, for example, an illegal player uses an unauthorized device to erroneously detect a game medium that is not actually inserted as an already inserted game medium. There is a fraudulent act that illegally increases the number of inserted game media. In other words, when an illegal game medium is inserted by an unauthorized person, at least a part of the unauthorized device remains in the detection range of the first detection means in the passage. There is a possibility that the first detection means detects a part.

  According to the gaming machine A1, when the payout request is detected by the payout request detecting means, the game medium is detected by the payout prohibiting means when the first determining means determines that the game medium is detected by the first detecting means. Can be prohibited. Therefore, an illegal act is performed by an unauthorized person, and at least a part of the unauthorized instrument remains in the detection range of the first detection means in the passage, and the first detection means detects a part of the unauthorized instrument. When doing so, payout of game media can be prohibited. Therefore, if there is a possibility of fraud, payout of game media is prohibited, so it is possible to prevent payout of game media in response to a payout request for game media that is not actually inserted. As a result, it is possible to provide a gaming machine excellent in anti-fraud.

  In the gaming machine A1, the first determination means detects the gaming medium continuously for a first predetermined time or more by the first detection means when the payout request detection means detects the payout request. A gaming machine A2 characterized by determining whether or not it is present.

  The gaming machine A2 has the following effects. The reason why the game medium is detected continuously for the first predetermined time by the first detection means is that at least a part of the unauthorized equipment continues to remain in the detection range of the first detection means in the passage. Since the first detecting means may continue to detect a part of the game, there is a high possibility that an illegal game medium has been inserted by an unauthorized person. According to the gaming machine A2, when the first determination means detects a payout request by the payout request detection means, the first detection means determines whether the game medium has been detected continuously for a first predetermined time or more. Since the determination is made, it is possible to prohibit the payout of game media when there is a high possibility that an illegal game media has been inserted by an unauthorized person. Therefore, when there is a possibility that a fraudulent act has been performed, it is possible to determine whether it is a fraudulent act with higher accuracy, and thus it is possible to provide a gaming machine that is superior to a fraud countermeasure.

  In the gaming machine A1 or A2, when the start request detecting means detects the start request for the predetermined game and the start request detecting means detects the start request for the predetermined game, the first detecting means A second determination unit that determines whether the game medium is detected, and a game that prohibits the start of the predetermined game when the second determination unit determines that the game medium is detected. A gaming machine A3 comprising a prohibiting means.

  According to the gaming machine A3, when a predetermined game start request is detected by the start request detection unit, the second determination unit determines that the game medium is detected by the first detection unit. The start of a predetermined game is prohibited by the game prohibition means. Therefore, even if a start request for a predetermined game is detected by the start request detection means, at least a part of the unauthorized equipment remains in the detection range of the first detection means in the passage, and When the first detection means detects the part and there is a possibility that an illegal player has inserted an illegal game medium, the start of a predetermined game can be prohibited by the game prohibition means. Accordingly, since it is possible to suppress the start of a predetermined game using the game medium thrown in by an illegal act, it is possible to provide a gaming machine excellent in anti-fraud measures.

  The second determination means is configured to determine whether or not a game medium has been detected continuously for a predetermined time or more by the first detection means when the start request detection means detects a predetermined game start request. It is also good. As described above, the first detection means continuously detects the game medium for a predetermined time because at least part of the unauthorized equipment continues to remain in the detection range of the first detection means in the passage. Since the first detection means continues to detect a part of the device, there is a high possibility that an illegal gaming medium has been inserted by an unauthorized person. According to this configuration, the start of a predetermined game can be prohibited by the game prohibition means when there is a high possibility that an illegal player has inserted an illegal game medium. Therefore, when there is a possibility that a fraudulent act has been performed, it is possible to determine whether it is a fraudulent act with higher accuracy, and thus it is possible to provide a gaming machine that is superior to a fraud countermeasure.

  In addition, as a predetermined game, the game which starts the fluctuation | variation of identification information is illustrated, for example.

  In any one of the gaming machines A1 to A3, the passage allowance prohibiting means allows or prohibits the game medium from passing through by being immersed in or protruding from the passage, and the predetermined number of games. It is configured to project into the passage when a medium is inserted, or when the last game medium of a predetermined number of game media is started, and the passage permission prohibiting means is When the game medium is continuously detected for a second predetermined time by the first detection means in a state of projecting into the passage, first notification means for notifying the fact is provided. Characteristic gaming machine A4.

  According to the gaming machine A4, when the game medium is detected for a second predetermined time by the first detection means in a state where the passage permission prohibiting means protrudes into the passage, the fact is indicated as follows. It is notified by the notification means. Here, the state in which the passage allowance prohibiting means protrudes into the passage is a state in which a predetermined number of game media have been inserted into the gaming machine, or the last game medium of the predetermined number of game media In this state, the game medium remains in the detection range of the first detection means in the passage for the second predetermined time in the first detection in the passage. Since at least a part of the illegal device continues to remain in the detection range of the means and the first detection means continues to detect a part of the illegal device, the illegal player inserts the illegal game medium. May have been done.

  According to the gaming machine A4, when a game medium is detected continuously for a second predetermined time by the first detection means in a state where the passage permission prohibiting means protrudes into the passage, the fact is indicated as follows. Notification can be made by the notification means. Therefore, in a state where the passage permission prohibiting means protrudes into the passage, at least a part of the unauthorized equipment remains in the detection range of the first detection means in the passage, and an unauthorized player inserts an unauthorized gaming medium. When there is a possibility that it has occurred, the notification is made, so that it is possible to make it aware that there is a possibility that fraudulent acts have been performed for the hall personnel.

  In addition, when a predetermined number of game media has been inserted into the gaming machine, or when the last game medium of the predetermined number of game media has started to be inserted into the gaming machine, passage is prohibited. Since the means protrudes into the passage and the passage of the game medium is prohibited, it becomes difficult for an unauthorized person to take out the unauthorized equipment used for the unauthorized action from the detection range of the first detection means. Therefore, when a fraudulent act is performed, the trace is likely to remain, so that it becomes easier for hall personnel to find the fraudulent act.

  The game medium is operated in a state where the game medium is stagnated at an arrangement position in the passage where the first detection means is arranged, and the stagnated game medium is arranged in the arrangement of the first detection means. In the case where a flow means for flowing downstream from the position is provided, the first notification means is configured to detect the game medium continuously for a second predetermined time by the first detection means. You may comprise so that the alert | report which encourages operation | movement of the said flow means may be performed. According to this configuration, when the passing state of the game medium at the in / out position detected by the first detection unit is continuously stagnating for the second predetermined time, the notification that prompts the operation of the flow unit is performed. Since it is performed by the first notification means, the notification can be made to be recognized by the player or the person concerned with the hall. In addition, when a player or a hall-related person who recognizes the notification operates the flow means, the stagnation of the game medium stagnating at the position where the first detection means is disposed in the passage is eliminated, so that the ball is jammed during the game. When such an abnormality occurs, the player can resolve the abnormality, and the game can be prevented from being interrupted for a long period of time. In addition, since the player can eliminate the abnormality such as the ball clogging, it is possible to reduce the trouble for the hall personnel to eliminate the abnormality such as the ball clogging.

  In any one of the gaming machines A1 to A4, second detection means that is disposed downstream of the first detection means in the passage and detects the game medium by a detection method different from the first detection means. And when the game medium has not been detected by the first detection means and the game medium is not detected by the second detection means for a third predetermined period of time, a notification to that effect is given. A gaming machine A5, comprising two notification means.

  According to the gaming machine A5, the second detection means for detecting the game medium by a detection method different from the first detection means is disposed on the downstream side of the first detection means in the passage. If the game medium is not detected by the detection means and continues for the third predetermined time, and no game medium is detected by the second detection means, the fact is notified by the second notification means. The game medium detected by the first detection means in the passage then flows to the downstream side of the passage and is detected by the second detection means. That is, after the game medium is undetected by the first detection means, if the game medium is not detected by the second detection means for a third predetermined period of time, the fraudulent person is There is a possibility that at least a part of the illegal device remains in the vicinity of the one detection means, the first detection means detects a part of the illegal device, and an illegal game medium is inserted. It is done.

  According to the gaming machine A5, when the game medium is not detected by the first detection means and the game medium is not detected by the second detection means for a third predetermined period of time, that fact is indicated. Notification can be made by the second notification means. Therefore, a notification is given when there is a possibility that an unauthorized person has left an at least part of an unauthorized device around the first detection means in the passage and throws in an unauthorized game medium. Therefore, it can be made to recognize that there is a possibility that the fraudulent act was performed with respect to the hall personnel.

  In any one of the gaming machines A1 to A5, the counting means for counting the number of times that the gaming medium is paid out in response to the payout request is prohibited by the payout prohibiting means, and the number counted by the counting means is within a certain period. A gaming machine A6, comprising: third notification means for notifying that when a predetermined number of times has been exceeded.

  According to the gaming machine A6, the number of times that the payout prohibiting means prohibits the payout of the game medium is counted by the counting means, and when the counted number exceeds a predetermined number within a certain period, that fact is indicated. No. 3 notification means. The prohibition of game medium payout by the payout prohibiting means is executed when there is a possibility that an illegal game medium is inserted. In other words, if a large number of game media payout prohibitions by the payout prohibition means occur within a certain period of time, there is a high possibility that the gaming machine is cheating. Therefore, since the notification is made when there is a high possibility that an illegal act is being performed, it is possible to make the hall personnel concerned recognize that there is a high possibility that an illegal action is being performed.

  It should be noted that the prohibition of payout of game media by the payout prohibition means is executed when there is a possibility that illegal game media has been thrown in, but other than that, for example, a clogged ball has occurred in the passage This is also executed when some abnormality occurs in the gaming machine, such as when the first detection means fails, or when the game medium is detected by the first detection means. Therefore, not only fraudulent acts but also cases where abnormalities occur frequently are notified, so the occurrence of the abnormalities can be recognized by the hall personnel.

  In any one of the gaming machines A1 to A6, the first detection unit causes the game to be performed before a fourth predetermined time has elapsed since the payout prohibition unit prohibits the payout of the game medium in response to the payout request. A gaming machine A7, comprising first payout permission means for permitting payout of the game medium prohibited by the payout prohibition means when no medium is detected.

  According to the gaming machine A7, if the game medium is not detected by the first detection means before the fourth predetermined time has elapsed after the payout prohibition means prohibits the payout of the game medium in response to the payout request, the payout The first payout permission means permits the payout of the game medium prohibited by the prohibition means. As described above, when at least a part of an unauthorized instrument remains in the detection range of the first detection means in the passage, the first detection means detects a part of the unauthorized instrument. There is a possibility that an illegal gaming medium has been inserted by the actor, but if the first detection means is not detected, it is considered that the remaining gaming medium has flowed downstream, It is considered that, for example, clogging of a ball occurs, the clogging of the ball is eliminated, and the gaming medium flows down, instead of illegally inserting the gaming medium by an unauthorized device.

  According to the gaming machine A7, if the game medium is not detected by the first detection means before the fourth predetermined time has elapsed after the payout prohibition means prohibits the payout of the game medium in response to the payout request, the payout The first payout permitting unit can permit the payout of the game medium prohibited by the prohibiting unit. Therefore, there is a possibility that an unauthorized player has thrown in illegal game media, and even if prohibition of game media payout is prohibited, it is considered that the possibility of illegal game media input is low afterwards. Can pay out game media. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the player from losing the game media without paying out the game media.

  In any one of the gaming machines A1 to A7, second detection means that is disposed downstream of the first detection means in the passage and detects the game medium by a detection method different from the first detection means. And when the game medium is detected by the second detection means after the payout prohibition means prohibits the payout of the game medium in response to the payout request, the game medium prohibited by the payout prohibition means A gaming machine A8, comprising: a second payout permission means for permitting payout.

  According to the gaming machine A8, the second detection means for detecting the game medium by a detection method different from the first detection means is disposed downstream of the first detection means in the passage, and the payout prohibition means When the game medium is detected by the second detection means after the game request is paid out in response to the payout request, the second payout permission means permits the payout of the game medium prohibited by the payout prohibition means. . Normally, the game medium detected by the first detection means then flows to the downstream side of the passage and is detected by the second detection means. Therefore, after the payout prohibition means prohibits the game medium from being paid out. When the game medium is detected by the second detection means, for example, it is considered that the ball jam has been resolved and the game medium has flowed down, and there is a high possibility that a normal game medium will be inserted.

  According to the gaming machine A8, when the game medium is detected by the second detecting means after the payout prohibiting means is prohibited from being paid out, the game medium prohibited by the payout prohibiting means is paid out for the second time. It can be permitted by a withdrawal permitting means. Therefore, there is a possibility that illegal game media has been inserted by an unauthorized person, and even if prohibition of game media is prohibited, if there is a high possibility that normal game media will be inserted after that, The medium can be paid out. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the player from losing the game media without paying out the game media.

  For example, when the game medium is formed of a magnetic metal, one of the first detection means and the second detection means is an optical sensor that optically detects the passage of the game medium, The other of the first detection means and the second detection means may be a magnetic sensor that magnetically detects the passage of the game medium.

  In a gaming machine configured to be able to start a predetermined game when a predetermined number of game media are inserted, a storage means for storing a plurality of the game media, and the game media communicated with the storage means A plurality of passages through which the game medium flows, detection means for detecting the game media flowing into the plurality of passages for each passage, and the number of the inserted game media that have been detected by the detection means and inserted into each passage Is stored for each passage, a payout request detecting means for detecting a payout request for a game medium that has already been stored and stored in the storage means, and when the payout request is detected by the payout request detecting means. First determination means for determining whether a value calculated based on the number of inputs of one passage and the number of inputs of another passage stored in the storage means is an abnormal value, and the first By the judging means of And a first payout prohibiting means for prohibiting the payout of the game medium when it is determined that the value calculated based on the number of inserted passages and the number of inserted other passages is the abnormal value. A gaming machine B1 characterized by

  According to the gaming machine B1, a plurality of game media stored in the storage means flows into the plurality of passages, and the game media flowing into the respective passages are detected by the detection means for each passage. Further, the number of inserted game media that have been detected by the detection means and inserted into each passage are stored in the storage means for each passage. When the payout request for the inserted game media stored in the storage means is detected by the payout request detection means, the number of inputs in one passage and the number of inputs in other passages stored in the storage means When the first determination means determines that the value calculated based on the above is an abnormal value, the first payout prohibiting means prohibits the game medium from being paid out.

  Here, a description will be given of an illegal game medium input by an unauthorized person. As an illegal game medium thrown by a fraudulent person, for example, a fraudulent person may use a fraudulent device to cause the detection means to erroneously detect a game medium that has not been actually thrown as a loaded game medium, There is a fraudulent act that illegally increases the number of inserted game media in a part of a plurality of passages. In this fraud, since at least a part of the fraudulent instrument enters a part of the plurality of passages, it is difficult to perform the fraud at the same time in a plurality of passages, and it is particularly easy to carry out for one passage. In other words, when game media are normally inserted, game media are distributed in a plurality of passages, so the number of passages in each passage is almost the same. In the case where game media have been thrown in, game media thrown in is concentrated in a part of the plurality of passages, so there is a high possibility that a difference will occur in the number of throws in each passage.

  According to the gaming machine B1, when a payout request is detected by the payout request detection means, a value calculated based on the number of inputs in one passage and the number of inputs in another passage stored in the storage means is If the first determination means determines that the value is an abnormal value, the first payout prohibiting means can prohibit the payout of the game medium. Therefore, by making the value indicating that there is a difference between the number of inserted passages in one passage and the number of inserted passages in other passages, game media are not distributed in a plurality of passages and are partially distributed. If there is a possibility that fraudulent acts have been performed by a fraudulent person, it is possible to prohibit the payout of game media. Accordingly, since it is possible to suppress the payout of game media in response to a payout request for game media that is not actually inserted, it is possible to provide a gaming machine excellent in anti-fraud measures.

  The gaming machine B1 includes first calculation means for calculating an input ratio between the number of inputs of one passage stored in the storage means and the number of inputs of another passage, and the first determination means includes the first determination means, A gaming machine B2 characterized in that when the insertion ratio calculated by the first calculation means is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value or equal to or less than a second predetermined value, the abnormal value is determined.

  The first calculating means calculates the ratio of the number of inputs of the other passages based on the number of inputs of the one passage, and the number of inputs of one passage based on the number of inputs of the other passages. The input ratio may be calculated.

  According to the gaming machine B2, the input ratio between the number of inputs of one passage and the number of inputs of another passage stored in the storage means is calculated by the first calculating means, and the calculated input ratio is the first input ratio. When the value is equal to or greater than the predetermined value or equal to or less than the second predetermined value, the first determination unit determines that the value is an abnormal value.

  Here, as described above, if the number of insertions in each passage is substantially the same, it can be determined that the insertion of the game medium is performed normally in a plurality of passages. If there is a difference in the number of inputs, it can be determined that the input of game media is concentrated in a part of the plurality of passages, and there is a possibility that the input has been performed by an illegal act. For example, if the difference between the number of inputs in one passage and the number of inputs in other passages is equal to or greater than a preset number, the total number of inputs that can be input to a gaming machine is determined in the configuration where it is determined that the input is due to fraud. If the number is small, the difference in the number of inputs in each passage is also reduced, so it is necessary to set a small number in order to determine whether the entry is due to fraud. However, if the number of settings is set to a small value, there is a high possibility that it will be erroneously determined to be input due to fraud even if the input is normal. On the other hand, if the set number is set large in order to avoid the erroneous determination, conversely, there is a high possibility that it is erroneously determined that the input is normal even if it is input due to an illegal act. In addition, when the total number of inputs that can be input to the gaming machine is large, there is a possibility that the difference in the number of inputs in each passage may increase even if normal input is performed. Therefore, it is necessary to set a large number of settings in order to avoid misjudgment that determines that a normal input is an input due to fraud, but if a large number is set, it takes time until the difference in the number of settings occurs. Unauthorized input cannot be detected early.

  In other words, when the difference between the number of inputs in one passage and the number of inputs in another passage is equal to or greater than a preset number, the total number of inputs that can be input to the gaming machine is determined in the configuration that determines that the input is due to fraud. If it is not set to a set number according to the above, the accuracy of determining whether the input is normal or illegal input will be poor. For this reason, in order to improve the accuracy of the determination of input due to fraud, the program must be changed (reset the set number) according to the total number of inputs, which increases the design burden.

  However, according to the gaming machine B2, the input ratio of the number of inputs of one passage and the number of inputs of another passage is not the difference between the number of inputs of one passage and the number of inputs of other passages. Since it is possible to determine whether the input is due to fraud based on whether it is greater than or equal to the predetermined value or less than the second predetermined value, whether it is normal or illegal Precise determination can be made early. In addition, since it is not necessary to change the program for each type of the total number of inputs, the program can be shared with other gaming machines having different total inputs, and the design burden can be reduced.

  In the gaming machine B1 or B2, based on the number of inputs for each passage stored in the storage means, the input ratio of the number of inputs of each passage based on the number of inputs of the one passage is set for all the passages. Second calculation means for calculating the input ratio, wherein the first determination means has an input ratio calculated by the second calculation means equal to or greater than the first predetermined value or equal to or less than the second predetermined value. In this case, the gaming machine B3 is characterized in that the abnormal value is determined.

  According to the gaming machine B3, on the basis of the number of inputs for each passage stored in the storage means, the input ratio of the number of inputs of each passage relative to the number of inputs of one passage is relative to all the passages. Calculated by the second calculating means, and when the calculated input ratio is not less than the first predetermined value or not more than the second predetermined value, the first determining means determines that the value is an abnormal value. Therefore, based on the number of inputs of one passage, one of the input ratios of the number of inputs of each passage calculated for all passages is not less than the first predetermined value or not more than the second predetermined value. In such a case, payout of game media can be prohibited. In addition, as described above, instead of the difference between the number of inputs of one passage and the number of inputs of each passage, the input ratio of the number of inputs of one passage and the number of inputs of each passage is greater than or equal to the first predetermined value or the second Since it is possible to determine whether the input is due to fraud based on whether the value is equal to or less than the predetermined value, it is possible to accurately and quickly determine whether the input is normal or illegal due to the illegal input regardless of the total number of inputs that can be input to the gaming machine. . Therefore, even when three or more passages are provided, it is possible to determine with accuracy and early whether fraud is being performed.

  The gaming machine B1 includes a third calculating unit that calculates a difference between the number of inserted one passage and the number of inserted other passages stored in the storage unit, and the first determining unit includes the first determining unit, The gaming machine B4 is characterized in that when the difference calculated by the three calculating means is equal to or greater than a third predetermined value, it is determined as the abnormal value.

  According to the gaming machine B4, the difference between the number of inputs of one passage stored in the storage means and the number of inputs of another passage is calculated by the third calculating means, and the calculated difference is the third predetermined amount. When the value is equal to or greater than the value, the first determination means determines that the value is an abnormal value. As described above, if the number of throws in each passage is almost the same, it can be determined that the game media has been thrown in a plurality of passages, so that it can be judged as a normal throw. If there is a difference, it can be determined that the input of game media is concentrated in a part of the plurality of passages, and there is a possibility that the input has been performed by an illegal act. According to the gaming machine B4, when the difference between the number of throws in one passage and the number of throws in another passage is equal to or greater than a third predetermined value, Dispensing of game media can be prohibited. Accordingly, since it is possible to suppress the payout of game media in response to a payout request for game media that is not actually inserted, it is possible to provide a gaming machine excellent in anti-fraud measures.

  In any of the gaming machines B2 to B4, the first to third calculation means store in the storage means each time the predetermined number of game media capable of starting the predetermined game is inserted. The gaming machine B5 is characterized in that it calculates an input ratio or difference between the number of inserted one passage and the number of inserted other passages.

  According to the gaming machine B5, the first to third calculation means each time one passage stored in the storage means is stored each time a predetermined number of game media capable of starting a predetermined game are inserted. An input ratio or difference between the number of inputs and the number of inputs of other passages is calculated. Therefore, every time a predetermined game can be started, the input ratio or the difference between the number of inputs of one passage stored in the storage means and the number of inputs of other passages can be calculated. The input ratio or difference can be finely updated for each unit to be performed. Therefore, since the update rate of the input ratio or the difference can be increased, the updated input ratio is likely to be equal to or higher than the first predetermined value or lower than the second predetermined value when the illegal act is performed by the fraudulent person. Alternatively, the updated difference is likely to be greater than or equal to the third predetermined value, and is likely to be determined as an abnormal value by the first determination unit. As a result, when a payout request is detected by the payout request detection means, the frequency at which the payout of game media is prohibited increases, so that it is easy to detect fraudulent acts by fraudsters.

  In addition, the first to third calculation means, when a certain number of game media larger than the predetermined number of game media is inserted, or whenever a multiple of the predetermined number of game media is reached. You may comprise so that the injection | throwing-in ratio or difference of the injection | throwing-in number of one channel | path memorize | stored in the memory | storage means and the insertion number of another channel | path may be calculated. According to this configuration, since the input ratio or the difference can be calculated in a unit in which a certain number of game media are input or a unit that reaches a multiple of a predetermined number of game media, the number of input in one passage, The input ratio or the difference can be updated in a state where the value with the number of inputs in the other passages is larger. In other words, as the value of the number of inputs in one passage and the number of inputs in another passage increases, the difference in the input ratio and the calculation result of the difference in the case of fraudulent acts becomes more prominent. The accuracy of the calculation result can be improved, and the reliability of fraud detection can be improved.

  Note that the first to third calculation means are configured to input a predetermined number of game media that can start a predetermined game and a certain number of game media that is greater than the predetermined number of game media. And when the number of game media reaches a multiple of a predetermined number of game media, each condition is satisfied, and the number of one passage stored in the storage means and the other It may be configured to calculate the input ratio or difference with the number of inputs in the passage, or may be configured to calculate the input ratio or difference when any two conditions are satisfied, respectively. Also good. For example, assuming that a predetermined number that can start a predetermined game is the number of game media necessary for starting one game (the processes of S210 to S215 in FIGS. 24 and 47), one game unit or a plurality of game units In addition, when a certain number of game media are inserted regardless of the game unit, the insertion ratio can be updated.

  In any one of the gaming machines B1 to B5, when the detection of the game medium detected for each of the passages by the detection means is continued in the same passage, first counting means for counting the number of consecutive times; When the payout request is detected by the payout request detecting means, a continuous input determining means for determining whether the number of times counted by the first counting means is equal to or more than a first predetermined number of times, and its continuous input determination A gaming machine B6, comprising: a second payout prohibiting means for prohibiting the payout of the game medium when the means determines that the number of times is equal to or greater than the first predetermined number of times.

  According to the gaming machine B6, when the detection of the game medium detected for each passage by the detecting means continues in the same passage, the number of consecutive times is counted by the first counting means. Then, when the payout request is detected by the payout request detecting means, if the continuous throw-in determining means determines that the number of times counted by the first counting means is equal to or greater than the first predetermined number of times, the game medium is paid out. It is prohibited by the second payout prohibiting means. Therefore, in addition to the case where the value calculated based on the number of insertions of one passage and the number of insertions of other passages is an abnormal value, the game media is paid out in a plurality of passages. In this case, the game machine can be prohibited even if it is continuously performed for the first predetermined number of times.

  In addition, as described above, when the total number of inputs that can be input to the gaming machine is large, there is a possibility that the difference in the number of inputs in each passage may increase even if normal input is performed. It is necessary to increase the third predetermined value determined by the means, and there is a case where it is not possible to detect the input due to fraud early. However, even if the third predetermined value is increased, if an illegal action is inserted into one passage, the continuous input determination means can determine that the input is due to an illegal action. Even if the number is large, the payout of game media can be prohibited at an early stage.

  It is also possible that a fraudulent person may perform insertion of a game medium by a fraudulent action while changing the passage in order. Even in such a case, if there is a possibility that the gaming medium has been thrown in for the first predetermined number of times in one of a plurality of passages and that the fraudulent person has thrown in by cheating, In addition, payout of game media can be prohibited.

  In any of the gaming machines B1 to B6, when the start request detecting means for detecting the start request for the predetermined game and the start request detecting means detects the start request for the predetermined game, the storage means A second determination means for determining whether or not a value calculated based on the stored number of inputs of one passage and the number of inputs of another passage is the abnormal value; and the second determination means Game prohibiting means for prohibiting the start of the predetermined game when it is determined that the value calculated based on the number of inserted one passage and the number of inserted other passages is the abnormal value. A gaming machine B7 characterized by

  According to the gaming machine B7, when a start request for a predetermined game is detected by the start request detecting unit, the calculation is made based on the number of inserted one passage and the number of other passages stored in the storage unit. When the second determination means determines that the value to be played is an abnormal value, the start of the predetermined game is prohibited by the game prohibition means. Therefore, even if a request for starting a predetermined game is detected by the start request detecting means, the game media are not distributed in a plurality of passages but are concentrated in part. If there is a possibility that an illegal game medium has been inserted, the start of a predetermined game can be prohibited by the game prohibition means. Therefore, since it is possible to suppress the start of a predetermined game using the game medium that has been thrown in by an illegal act, it is possible to provide a gaming machine excellent in anti-fraud measures.

  In the gaming machine B7, the value calculated based on the number of insertions of one passage and the number of insertions of other passages is assumed to be a value calculated by any of the calculation means from the gaming machines B2 to B4. Also good. In the case of this configuration, the “first determination means” in the gaming machines B2 to B4 is replaced with “second determination means”.

1 Revolving game machine using a game ball (game machine )
3 8a Return lever detection switch (payout request detection means )
113i, 1113i cumulative input number counter (storage means)
526a to 526c Input passage (part of passage)
550a to 550c input sensor unit ( first detection means)
550a1 Upstream optical sensor (upstream detection means)
550a2 Downstream optical sensor (downstream detection means)
555a to 555c Input downstream detection sensor (second detection means)
910 tank (storage means)

Claims (1)

In a gaming machine configured to be able to start a predetermined game when a predetermined number of game media are inserted,
Storage means for storing a plurality of the game media;
And passing path the game medium communicates is you flow into the storing means,
Passage permission prohibiting means for permitting or prohibiting passage of the game medium through the passage;
The upstream side detecting means for detecting the gaming medium and the upstream side detecting means disposed downstream of the passage permission prohibiting means and the gaming medium on the downstream side by less than one gaming medium. First detection means having downstream detection means for detecting;
Second detection means disposed downstream of the first detection means in the passage;
A state in which the game medium is not detected by both the upstream detection means and the downstream detection means, the game medium is detected by the upstream detection means, and the game medium is detected by the downstream detection means. The detection means is not detected by the second detection state in which the detection means is detected by both the first detection means that is not detected, the upstream detection means, and the downstream detection means, and the upstream detection means. First, a detection state detection unit that detects which detection state of the third detection unit in which the game medium is detected by the downstream detection unit,
The state change in which the detection state detected by the detection state detection means becomes the non-detection state after passing through the first detection state, the second detection state, and the third detection state in this order from the non-detection state. Storage means for storing the gaming medium that has been input as a normal state change ,
A payout request detecting means for detecting a payout request for the inserted game medium stored in the storage means;
When detecting the payout requested by the payout request detecting means, a first stamp constant means detecting the state of the game medium by the detection state detection means you determine which one of the detection state,
Second determination means for determining whether the game medium is detected by the second detection means when the payout request detection means detects the payout request;
Payout executing means for executing payout of the game medium in response to the payout request based on the determination results of the first determination means and the second determination means,
The payout execution means is configured to detect the non-detection after the first determination means determines the non-detection state or after determining the first detection state and then passing through the second detection state and the third detection state. When it is determined that the change is in the first permissible state that becomes a state, or when it is determined that the change is in the second detection state that is determined as the second detection state and then enters the non-detection state after passing through the third detection state. Or the third detection state, and then it is determined that the change was the third allowable state change to the non-detection state, and the second determination means is the downstream side. When the game medium is detected within a predetermined period after detection of the game medium by the detecting means is completed, and when it is determined that the detection is completed, the game medium is paid out in response to the payout request,
When the first determination means determines that the non-detection state, the first allowable state change, the second allowable state change, and the third allowable state change are not, or the second determination means, The payout of the game medium in response to the payout request when it is determined that the game medium has not been detected within a predetermined period of time after the detection of the game medium by the downstream detection means has ended or the detection has not ended. the gaming machine which is characterized and Turkey be prohibited.

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