JP6561301B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that pays out game media for each predetermined number.

  Conventionally, for example, in a pachinko gaming machine, every time a predetermined number of game media are paid out, a pause time is provided to stop payout during the pause time, and when an abnormality is detected, payout is stopped, There are models that perform abnormality notification.

JP 2002-177562 A

  However, in the conventional gaming machine, the abnormality detection is not completed within the game medium payout pause time, and there is a possibility that the next payout may be executed without being determined to be abnormal in spite of the abnormal state.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and suppresses execution of the next payout in an abnormal state by ending the abnormality detection in a time shorter than the pause time of payout of the game medium. The purpose is to provide a gaming machine that can be used.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a payout device that pays out a predetermined number of game media due to the establishment of a payout condition, and provides a payout time each time the payout device pays out a predetermined number of game media. A payout suspension means for stopping the execution of the payout operation of the apparatus during the pause time, an abnormality determination means for determining whether or not there is an abnormality in the gaming machine, and the payout apparatus due to the fact that the abnormality determination means has determined that there is an abnormality In a gaming machine provided with a payout stopping means for stopping the execution of the payout operation, the abnormality determining means includes an abnormality detecting means for determining whether there is an abnormality in the gaming machine by the abnormality determining means, and the abnormality determining means includes the abnormality detecting means When the abnormal state of the gaming machine is detected continuously for the abnormality detection time set to be shorter than the suspension time in the suspension time, it is determined that there is an abnormality, and the abnormality detection time is the next payout If it is determined that the abnormality has occurred before the next payout after the suspension time has elapsed, the abnormality determination unit determines that the abnormality has occurred. If the abnormal state of the gaming machine is not detected continuously for the abnormality release time set longer than the detection time and the pause time, it is determined that the abnormality has been canceled, and the presence or absence of abnormality is determined by the abnormality detection means. The abnormality determination includes at least a first abnormality determination and a second abnormality determination. The abnormality detection time and the abnormality release time of the first abnormality determination and the second abnormality determination are different, and the first abnormality determination The abnormality canceling time based on the second abnormality determination is set to be longer than each abnormality detecting time and the pause time .

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the abnormality detection is terminated within the payout pause time, and if there is an abnormality, it is determined that there is an abnormality and the game medium payout is stopped. By not ending, it is possible to prevent the next payout from being executed even in an abnormal state.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the apparatus according to the first aspect further includes abnormality notification means for performing abnormality notification based on the fact that the abnormality determination means determines that there is an abnormality.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to recognize the abnormal state because the abnormality detection is terminated within the payout suspension time, and when there is an abnormality, the abnormality is determined and the abnormality is notified.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, the abnormality detection unit detects an abnormality of the payout device, detects a full state of a storage unit that stores game media paid out by the payout device, or the It is characterized in that at least one of detection of the presence / absence state of a game medium supplied to the payout device or detection of the presence / absence state of a game medium at a game medium winning opening provided in the game area is detected.

  According to the invention of claim 3, it is provided in the state of the payout device, the full state of the storage portion for storing the game media paid out by the payout device, the presence / absence state of the game medium supplied to the payout device, or the game area. It is possible to detect the presence / absence of an abnormality with respect to the presence / absence state of a game medium (such as the presence / absence of a ball clogging) at the winning hole of the game medium.

  According to the present invention, abnormality detection is terminated within the payout pause time, and if there is an abnormality, it is determined that there is an abnormality and the game media payout is stopped, so that the abnormality detection does not end within the payout pause time. Thus, it is possible to prevent the next payout from being executed despite the abnormal state.

It is a front view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the back side of the game machine. It is a block diagram which shows the connection of the control board, apparatus, etc. of the gaming machine. It is a flowchart of the main process of a main control board. It is a flowchart of the interruption process in the same main control board. It is a flowchart of the command reception process in the same interrupt process. It is a 1st flowchart of prize ball control processing in the interruption processing. It is a 2nd flowchart of the same prize ball control processing. It is a flowchart of the payout control board command process in the interrupt process. It is a flowchart of a winning detection process in the interrupt process. It is a flowchart of special operation processing in the same interrupt processing. It is a flowchart of the special symbol waiting process in the interruption process. It is a flowchart of the special symbol jackpot determination process in the interrupt process. It is a flowchart of a special symbol variation mode selection process in the interrupt process. It is a flowchart of the special symbol selection process in the same interrupt process. It is a flowchart of the special symbol random number shift process in the same interrupt process. It is a flowchart of the process in change in the interruption process. It is a flowchart of the special symbol determination process in the same interrupt process. It is a 1st flowchart of the special electric accessory process in the interruption process. It is a 2nd flowchart of the special electric accessory process in the interruption process. It is a flowchart of the number-of-holding balls processing in the interruption processing. It is a flowchart of the power-off monitoring process in the interruption process. It is a flowchart of a payout control board process. It is a flowchart of the command analysis process in the same payout control board process. It is a flowchart of the payout apparatus control process in the same payout control board process. It is a flowchart of a payout control board prize ball payout number determination process in the payout device control process. It is a flowchart of the payout process in the payout control board process. It is a flowchart of the payout abnormality monitoring process in the payout process. It is a flowchart of the payout abnormality cancellation process in the payout process. It is a flowchart of the full detection process in the payout process. It is a flowchart of a ballless monitoring process in the payout process. It is a 1st flowchart of the command output process in the same payout control board process. It is a 2nd flowchart of the command output process in the same payout control board process. It is a figure which shows the memory | storage state of an abnormal data buffer. It is a front view of a dispensing device. It is a disassembled perspective view of a dispensing device. It is a time chart which shows the relationship between a rest time, a lower plate full detection time, and a ball absence detection time.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. A gaming machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a pachinko gaming machine that uses a game ball as a game medium, and an outer guide rail 3 and an inner guide rail 4 are arranged in a substantially circular shape on the edge of the game board 2, and the outer guide rail 3 And a game area 6 defined by the inner guide rail 4 is provided on the game board 2. In the game area 6, a guide nail R for guiding a game ball is provided on the surface of the game board 2. Further, on the front side of the gaming machine 1, a lamp device including a decorative lamp 35 and the like, a game ball supplied to the launching device and a ball receiving upper plate 36 for receiving paid-out game balls, and the ball receiving upper A ball receiving lower plate 37 for receiving a game ball when the plate 36 is full, a speaker 38 for emitting sound effects, an abnormality notification lamp 39, and a game ball being shot toward the game area 6 in response to a player's launch operation. A launching device 64 for launching and launching, and a game operation switch 67 operable by the player are provided. The ball receiving lower tray 37 corresponds to a storage unit that stores game media paid out by the payout device. The abnormality notification lamp 39 corresponds to abnormality notification means. In FIG. 1, reference numeral W1 is an outer frame of the gaming machine, W2 is a front frame attached to the outer frame W1, and G is a glass frame attached to the front frame W2 by a hinge so as to be opened and closed. Hereinafter, main parts of the gaming machine 1 will be described.

  In the game area 6, a display device 10, an upper start winning port 41, a lower start winning port 42, a big winning port 45, and an out port 48 are arranged in order from the upper part to the lower part on the center line. A left sleeve first winning port 51 and a left sleeve second winning port 52 are arranged to the left of the upper starting winning port 41 and the lower starting winning port 42, and a left dropped winning port is placed on the left and right of the big winning port 45. 53 and a right drop winning opening 54 are arranged. Further, a normal symbol variation start gate 55 is provided on the left side of the display device 10, and a windmill 76 is provided below the normal symbol change start gate 55. On the other hand, a normal symbol display device 50 is incorporated in the lower right of the display device 10.

  The upper start winning port 41, the lower start winning port 42, the large winning port 45, the left sleeve first winning port 51, the left sleeve second winning port 52, the left dropping winning port 53, and the right dropping winning port 54 are a game area. This corresponds to a winning opening for game media provided in No. 6. When a game ball that is launched into the game area 6 and flows down in the game area 6 wins (enters) each of the winning holes, a predetermined number of prize balls (game balls) are awarded to the player for one winning ball. To be paid out. The number of prize balls to be paid out for the one winning ball is set for each winning slot.

  The display device 10 corresponds to display means for variably displaying a plurality of identification symbols. In the present embodiment, a special symbol is used as the identification symbol. The display device 10 can display an image such as a pattern, and is composed of an image display device such as a liquid crystal, a dot matrix, or an LED display device. In this embodiment, the display device 10 is a liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD module). It is configured. The display device 10 is configured to be able to stop display after a plurality of special symbols are variably displayed for a predetermined time in accordance with a variation mode, and the determination result of the success / failure is indicated by the special symbols that are stopped and displayed. The special symbol may be referred to as a determination symbol.

  In the display device 10, the left special symbol (left identification symbol), the middle special symbol (middle identification symbol), and the right special symbol (right identification symbol) arranged side by side are variably displayed according to the variation mode, and set to the variation mode. The left special symbol, the middle special symbol, and the right special symbol are stopped and displayed as a fixed stop special symbol (fixed stop identification symbol) based on the determination result. In addition, the display device 10 can display an effect composed of a background, a character, a character, etc. (sound, light emission, etc. are also included as appropriate) along with the special symbol variation display. A plurality of variation modes are provided as will be described later, and a special symbol variation display is performed on the display device 10 based on a variation mode selected from the plurality of variation modes.

  In this embodiment, the left special symbol, middle special symbol, and right special symbol which are displayed in a variable and stopped state are “0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11”, respectively. There are 12 patterns. In this embodiment, when the game success / failure determination result is a jackpot, the display device 10 has a jackpot special symbol combination, in this example, “0, 0, 0” (so-called “0” tick) or “ A special symbol is stopped and displayed with a combination of the same numbers such as “1, 1, 1” (so-called “1” glances). In the case of a big hit, a special game (a big hit game) that is more advantageous to the player (easy to acquire a game ball) than the case of a miss is executed. In addition, when the game success / failure determination result is unacceptable, the special symbol is stopped and displayed on the display device 10 in a combination other than a glance.

  The normal symbol display device 50 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal, a dot matrix, or an LED display device. The normal symbol display device 50 of this embodiment is composed of an LED display device. The normal symbols that are changed and stopped on the normal symbol display device 50 in the present embodiment are composed of two types, “◯” and “×”. In the case of the normal symbol, the normal symbol “◯” is stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display device 50, and “X” is displayed in the case of being out of the normal symbol.

The upper start winning opening 41 has a shape with an open top so that a game ball can enter (win) from above.
On the other hand, the lower start winning opening 42 has two movable pieces 42a and 42b which are substantially vertical by a start winning opening solenoid on the back and a closed state (normal state) in which a game ball is difficult to win (entry) and a substantially V-shaped. It is controlled so as to be able to change between open states in which (inverted C-shaped) can be won. The lower start winning opening 42 is shifted to the open state after the normal symbol is changed on the normal symbol display device 50, and then a fixed stop display is displayed with a normal symbol (“○” in this embodiment) indicating the normal symbol. It is done when

  Further, on the back of the game board 2, an upper start winning port detection switch (upper start winning port sensor) for detecting a game ball won (entered) in the upper start winning port 41 and the lower start winning port A lower start winning port detection switch (lower start winning port sensor) for detecting a game ball won (entered) 42 is provided in each winning ball passage. In this embodiment, the detection (winning) of a game ball in the upper start winning opening 41 or the lower start winning opening 42 is caused by acquisition of a random number value and start of variable display of the special symbol. Is set to establishment of the determination condition, and it is determined whether or not it is a big hit by the determination unit due to the establishment of the determination condition.

  A random number value is included by winning at the upper start winning port 41 or the lower start winning port 42 and being detected by the upper start winning port detection switch (upper start winning port sensor) and the lower start winning port detection switch. Game information is acquired and the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner. In addition, during the special symbol variation display, the upper start winning port 41 or the lower start winning port 42 is selected to win the upper start winning port detection switch (upper start winning port sensor), and the lower start winning port detection switch. Game information including a random number value is acquired, and the acquired game information is stored in the order of winning as a special symbol variation holding ball number up to a preset number, and a special symbol variation display (Corresponding to the progress of the resulting game) is temporarily held and the variation display of the special symbol is started sequentially, thereby reducing the number of stored special symbol variation holding balls and erasing the memory. The number of storages reserved for winning at the upper start winning port 41 and the lower start winning port 42 does not include the currently changing memory in the display device 10 and is set to a maximum of four.

  When the maximum number of game balls detected (the number of special symbol variation hold balls) by the start winning port detection switch (upper start winning port detection switch, lower start winning port detection switch) is stored, the start winning award is stored. Even if the mouth detection switch detects more winning game balls, it becomes an invalid ball (overflow winning ball) that is not stored as the number of holds, and for the invalid ball, random number storage, determination of success / failure, and special symbol variation are performed. The predetermined number of winning ball game balls are paid out without winning.

  The normal symbol change start gate 55 is configured to display the normal symbol display based on the fact that a game ball passing through the normal symbol change start gate 55 is detected by a normal symbol change start switch provided on the back of the game board 2. The apparatus 50 starts to change the normal symbol. Further, during the normal symbol variation display, the normal symbol variation generated by the game ball passing through the normal symbol variation start gate 55 is not included in the memory of the normal symbol variation device 50 that is currently changing. A maximum of four normal symbol holding numbers are stored, and the normal symbol holding number is reduced by starting the fluctuation of the normal symbols.

  Further, on the back of the game board 2, a left sleeve first winning port detection switch for detecting a winning ball of the left sleeve first winning port 51 and a left sleeve for detecting a winning ball of the left sleeve second winning port 52 are provided. A second winning prize detection switch, a left dropping prize detection switch and a right dropping prize detection switch for detecting the winning balls of the left dropping prize opening 53 and the right dropping prize opening 54 are provided.

  The large winning opening 45 corresponds to a winning area where game balls can be won. The special prize opening 45 includes an opening / closing plate 46 that is opened and closed by a special prize opening opening solenoid provided on the back of the game board 2. The opening / closing plate 46 corresponds to a displacement member that is displaced between an open state in which a game ball can win a prize area and a closed state in which a prize cannot be won during a special game period. The special winning opening 45 is normally in a state where the open / close plate 46 is closed (closed state), and is opened and closed during a special game (a big win game) executed when the result of the determination is a big hit. In addition, a winning ball count switch (count sensor) for detecting a winning ball that has won the big winning port 45 is provided in the big winning port 45.

  Upper start winning port detection switch, lower start winning port detection switch, left sleeve first winning port detection switch, left sleeve second winning port detection switch, left falling winning port detection switch, right falling winning port detection switch, winning ball The number count switch (count sensor) corresponds to a winning detection means for detecting a game ball won in the winning device.

  The launching device 64 has a launching motor that is driven by the operation of the operation lever 65 on the back side, and the game ball is ejected by the driving of the launching motor. The launch ball fired by the launch device 64 is guided to the game area 6 through a launch ball guide path formed between the inner guide rail 4 and the outer guide rail 3 erected on the surface of the game board 2. The The game ball guided to the game area 6 rolls down and falls down and wins each of the devices and the winning holes, or if the player does not win anywhere, the game board 2 enters the game board 2 from the out port 48. It is discharged to the back side.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of control boards, devices, and the like are provided on the back side of the gaming machine 1. Main control boards include a main control board 200, a sub-control board 205, a display control board 210, an audio control board 220, a payout control board 240, a power supply board 250, and a launch control board 260. Reference numeral 265 is an external terminal, 281 is a dispensing device, 283 is a ballless detection switch, 289 is a ball storage tank, and 291 is a ball guide rod. Reference numeral 271 denotes a RAM clear switch, reference numeral 272 denotes a power switch, and reference numeral 273 denotes an error release switch.

  Each control board is provided with a control circuit. Moreover, each control board is arrange | positioned in the back side of the game machine 1 in the state accommodated in the case individually or collectively. The main control board and apparatus are simply shown using the block diagram of FIG.

  The main control board 200 corresponds to a control apparatus that controls a game and outputs a signal to another control apparatus, and includes at least a microcomputer including a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and a plurality of counters. It is connected to the payout control board 240 and the like. The CPU executes a control program and performs main control related to the game. The main control board 200 operates by receiving power from the power board 250.

  The CPU in the main control board 200 includes a control unit, a calculation unit, various counters, various registers, various flags, etc., performs arithmetic control, generates a random value, and sends a signal such as a control signal to the sub-control board 205. And output (transmission) to the payout control board 240 and the like.

  The RAM is based on the number of special symbol variation holding balls based on the detection of winning by the upper start winning port detection switch and the lower starting winning port detection switch and the detection of winning by the normal symbol variation start switch. It has a memory area for the number of normal symbol variation holding balls, a memory area for various random values generated by the CPU, a memory area and flags for temporarily storing various data such as game data necessary for games, and a CPU work area. .

  In the ROM, control programs and control data for the CPU, variation modes regarding symbol display on the display device 10, symbol data, and the like are written, and determination values for big hits and small hits are written.

  The CPU of the main control board 200 also functions as a jackpot determination unit for determining whether or not a game is successful. The signal output from the main control board 200 includes an operation enable signal for causing the payout control board 240 to recognize that the main control board 200 is in an operable state, and other control boards such as the payout control board 240 ( And at least a control signal (command) for causing the control device) to perform control. In the control signal, a special symbol is variably displayed on the display device 10 according to an aspect based on a winning ball payout command (including payout instruction data) based on detection of winning at a winning opening (winning device) and a jackpot determination result. Symbol variation data, jackpot determination result data to be displayed on the display device 10, jackpot determination result data to be displayed on the display device 10, and normal symbol hit determination result data to be displayed on the normal symbol display device 50 are at least included. The prize ball payout command is a control signal that causes the payout control board 240 to control the payout device 281, and is output from the main control board 200 to the payout control board 240. In addition, the control signal output from the main control board 200 may include data such as when power is turned on, when an abnormality occurs, and when a big hit round is performed.

  The main control board 200 is connected to various winning opening detection switches (sensors), a solenoid of the lower start winning opening 42 and a solenoid of the large winning opening 45 through a relay circuit, and various winning openings. And controls opening / closing of the lower start winning opening 42 and the large winning opening 45.

  The sub control board 205 is connected to the main control board 200 and configured to receive a command signal from the main control board 200, and is connected to the display control board 210 and configured to control the display device 10. Yes. The sub-control board 205 includes an input / output circuit connecting the CPU, ROM, RAM, RTC, and main control board 200, the display control board 210, the lamp relay board, the voice control board 220, and the game operation switch 67. Input / output circuit. The sub-control board 205 corresponds to game control means for controlling the game together with the main control board 200, and controls the game according to a command signal output from the main control board 200. In this embodiment, the sub-control board 205 also serves as a lamp control board, receives the command signal output from the main control board 200, and instructs the lamp relay board and the display control board 210 based on the received command signal. A signal is being output. The command signal from the main control board 200 includes a command signal for the sub-control board 205 to control the display device 10 and data and signals for the lamp device, a winning command, a start winning mouth winning command, a variation command, a jackpot Commands are included, and the game is controlled according to the contents of those signals.

  The ROM of the sub-control board 205 stores control programs, data constants, effects and background information according to variation modes executed by the display device 10, and the RAM stores various data storage areas and CPU operations. Has an area. The RTC (real time clock) is operated by a built-in battery even when the power is turned off, and has a function of measuring time. The lamp relay board is connected to a lamp device such as a decoration lamp 35 and an abnormality notification lamp 39, and the lamp device such as the decoration lamp 35 and an abnormality notification are transmitted by a command signal transmitted from the sub control board 205 to the lamp relay board. The operation of the lamp 39 is controlled. The sub control board 205 is operated by receiving power from the power board 250.

  The display control board 210 includes a microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, an input circuit that connects the sub-control board 205, and an output circuit that connects the display device 10, and is transmitted from the sub-control board 205. Based on the control signal, display on the display device 10 is controlled. A control program is stored in the ROM of the display control board 210. In the display control board 210, based on a command signal from the sub-control board 205, the CPU of the display control board 210 reads predetermined display control data from the ROM, generates control data in the storage area of the RAM, and generates VDP. (Not shown). The VDP reads necessary data from the ROM based on a command from the CPU, creates display image map data, and stores it in the VRAM. The image data stored and stored in the VRAM is converted into RGB signals by a D / A conversion circuit provided in the output circuit and output to the display device 10.

  The audio control board 220 synthesizes an audio signal based on the signal output from the sub-control board 205 and outputs it to the amplifier. The amplifier amplifies the audio signal and outputs it to the speaker 38.

  The payout control board 240 has a microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. The payout control board 240 is connected to the payout apparatus 281 and receives a control signal output from the main control board 200 to control the payout apparatus 281. A program for controlling the CPU is stored in the ROM of the payout control board 240.

  The RAM of the payout control board 240 also corresponds to storage means (abnormal data buffer) for storing the presence / absence of abnormality of the gaming machine. The RAM (storage means) is updated to the latest abnormality presence / absence information by storing the newly detected presence / absence results. The latest abnormality presence / absence information stored in the RAM is stored in the RAM until it is output to the main control board 200), and is erased from the RAM by being output to the main control board 200.

  The RAM of the payout control board 240 also corresponds to payout storage means, and indicates the number of prize balls (game balls) to be paid out by the payout device 281 based on detection of winning at various winning ports (winning devices). It is possible to memorize the remaining total number of paying balls, which is added for each winning and subtracting the number of payouts that have already been paid out. That is, each time one winning ball is detected in one winning device (for example, the upper start winning opening 41), the number of payouts set for the one winning ball is added to the total number of paying balls, and the total number after addition is added. The number of prize balls paid out is stored, and the number of payouts paid out by the payout device 281 (the number of payouts set) is subtracted from the total number of prize balls paid out to store the total number of prize balls paid out after subtraction. Also, the number of payouts (the number of payouts set) can be stored.

  Signal transmission / reception between the main control board 200 and the payout control board 240 will be described. From the main control board 200, at least a control signal and an operable signal can be transmitted (output) to the payout control board 240. On the other hand, from the payout control board 240, at least abnormality information and abnormality release information are transmitted from the main control board. Transmission (output) to the substrate 200 is possible. The main control board 200 is configured to receive at least abnormality information and abnormality release information transmitted from the payout control board 240, while the payout control board 240 is transmitted from the main control board 200. At least the control signal and the operable signal can be received.

  In this embodiment, when the main control board 200 receives the abnormality information (payout abnormality command or the like) transmitted from the payout control board 240, the main control board 200 outputs data corresponding to the sub control board 205, and The sub-control board 205 controls the lighting and blinking of the abnormality notification lamp 39 and the decoration lamp 35 to notify the abnormality. Further, when an abnormality (payout abnormality) of the payout device 281 occurs, for example, an abnormality in which the game ball is detected for a predetermined time or more due to a game ball clogging or the like, the payout control is performed based on the operation of the error release switch 273. When the main control board 200 receives the abnormality cancellation information (payout abnormality cancellation command) transmitted from the board 240, the main control board 200 transmits data corresponding to the sub control board 205, and the sub control board 205 205 is configured to end the abnormality notification lighting of the decorative lamp 35. The abnormality information and the abnormality release information transmitted from the payout control board 240 are deleted (cleared) after transmission to the main control board 200. In addition, abnormality notification is notified by connecting directly to the sub-control board 205 without passing through the main control board 200, or by connecting a dedicated notification device to the payout control board 240 and controlling the payout control board 240. Notification control of a dedicated notification device may be performed.

The payout control board 240 is also connected to the lower pan full switch, the error release switch 273, and the no-ball detection switch 283.
The lower plate full switch is a sensor for detecting whether or not the lower ball full state is full when the game ball is full (filled up) in the ball receiving lower plate 37, and flows down to the lower ball receiving plate 37. The lower plate full detection signal can be input to the dispensing control board 240. The connection method is not limited to this. For example, at least one of the abnormality detection switches such as the lower plate full switch, the error release switch 273, and the no-ball detection switch 283 is connected to a control board other than the payout control board 240. It may be acceptable.

  The error release switch 273 is configured so that when a payout abnormality relating to the payout device 281 occurs (for example, an abnormality in which a game ball is continuously detected for a predetermined time or more due to a game ball clogging or the like), the game store confirms the abnormality and indicates an abnormal state. This switch is pressed after canceling. When the error release switch 273 is pressed (ON), a push (ON) signal of the error release switch 273 is output to the payout control board 240. And it has comprised so that the dispensing device 281 which has stopped can be changed to an operable state.

  The no-ball detection switch 283 is a switch for detecting a game ball supplied to the payout device 281 and is turned on when the game ball is detected, and turned off when the game ball is not detected. A no-ball detection signal from the no-ball detection switch 283 is output to the payout control board 240. It should be noted that the ON state of the no-ball detection switch is a normal state in which game balls are supplied to the payout device 281, while the OFF state is an abnormal state in which no game balls are supplied to the payout device 281. That is, there is no ball. The no-ball detection switch 283 and the lower pan full switch correspond to the abnormality detection means in the present invention.

  It should be noted that the dispensing device 281 that has been stopped due to the detection of an abnormal state of the no-ball detection switch 283 or the lower plate full switch is an error release switch when the no-ball detection switch 283 or the lower plate full switch is in a normal state. The payout device can be automatically changed to an operable state without pressing 273.

  As shown in FIGS. 35 and 36, the dispensing device 281 controlled by the dispensing control board 240 includes a case main body 281a, a dispensing motor 281c having a dispensing screw 281b, a case cover 281d, a case bearing 281f, a case bearing cover 281g, and the like. It consists of

  The payout device 281 is a device for paying out a game ball due to the establishment of a payout condition, and is configured such that the payout screw 281b rotates when the payout motor (electric drive source) 281c is driven. A game ball guided from the ball guide rod 291 and entering the payout device 281 rides on the blade portion of the payout screw 281b, and gradually moves downward by the rotation of the payout screw 281b. The game balls are paid out one by one from the payout opening. The fulfillment of the payout condition corresponds to a game ball winning at each winning opening or a ball lending payout request. In the payout device 281 of this embodiment, the ball flow path from the payout screw is divided into two left and right lines, leading to the left payout outlet and the right payout outlet, and one game ball from each of the left payout outlet and the right payout outlet. It is configured to be paid out. A left payout sensor 281h for detecting a game ball sent to the left payout outlet by rotation of the payout screw 281b and a right payout sensor 281i for detecting a game ball sent to the right payout outlet are provided on the left and right of the screw 281b. The game balls sent to the left and right payout outlets are detected and the detection signal can be output to the payout control board 240.

  In the present embodiment, the payout left sensor 281h and the payout right sensor 281i are configured by photo sensors. When the photo sensor is not blocked by the game ball, the sensor is turned off (game ball non-detection). When blocked, the sensor is turned on (game ball detection). The state where the payout left or right sensor is ON (game ball detection) is a state where the payout motor 281c of the payout device 281 is driven and the payout is continued, while the OFF (game ball non-detection) state is In this state, the payout motor 281c of the payout device 281 is stopped and the payout is stopped. It should be noted that confirmation of an abnormality due to a failure or the like of the payout left sensor 281h and the payout right sensor 281i also corresponds to the abnormality detecting means in the present invention.

The power supply board 250 is supplied with AC24V from the outside, converts the input AC24V into DC34V, converts the converted DC34V into DC12V and DC5V by each regulator, and supplies them to each board.
The launch control board 260 controls the launch motor in the launch device 64.

  Examples of the random number counter provided on the main control board 200 include a jackpot random number counter, a jackpot symbol random number counter, a reach random number counter, a special symbol data random number counter, a variation mode random number counter, a normal symbol random number counter, and the like. .

  The jackpot random number counter is used for jackpot determination (whether or not) by the hit determination means, and is composed of random numbers from “0” to “629”. The random number of the jackpot random number counter (the jackpot random number) is incremented by 1 every time a normal symbol / special symbol main random number update process described below starts from “0” when the gaming machine is turned on, and reaches “629”. Is set to “0” and the addition is repeated again. The jackpot random value is acquired due to winning at the upper start winning opening 41 or the lower starting winning opening 42, and is set as a jackpot value when the acquired value is in a low probability (2/630 (1/315)) state. If it matches any of '3' or '397', it is a big hit, while at the time of high probability (12/630 (6/315)) state (in the probability variation state), it is set as a big success value '3', '33' 53 ',' 59 ',' 113 ',' 173 ',' 227 ',' 281 ',' 337 ',' 397 ',' 449 ',' 503 ' It will be a big hit.

  The jackpot symbol random number counter determines a jackpot symbol combination to be confirmed and stopped in the display device 10 when the jackpot winning / bad determination result is a jackpot, and is composed of random numbers from “0” to “11”. This jackpot symbol random number is incremented by 1 every time a normal symbol / special symbol major random number update process, which will be described later, starts from “0” when the power is turned on. Is to repeat. The jackpot symbol random number is acquired due to winning in the upper start winning opening 41 or the lower starting winning opening 42. The jackpot symbol random number is assigned a jackpot symbol combination that is stopped and displayed on the display device 10 when the determination result is a jackpot. In this embodiment, when the jackpot symbol random number is “0”, the big hit symbol combination is “0, 0, 0”, which is “0” (all symbols are the same), and when it is “1”, the jackpot symbol combination Is the first grove that is “1,1,1” (all symbols are the same), “2” is the second grove, “2,2,2”, and the third is “3” If the number 3 is “3, 3, 3”, if it is “4”, if it is “4, 4, 4”, and so on, then the jackpot symbol is “11” The jackpot symbol combination is assigned to the jackpot symbol random number until the jackpot symbol combination “11,11,11”.

In the present embodiment, the jackpot symbol random number is also used to determine the probability variation in the case of jackpot.
In the case of a probability change (probability jackpot), the probability of jackpot is set to the high probability state (probability change state) after the special game (jackpot game) ends until it is determined next as a jackpot by determining whether or not the jackpot is successful. In the case of a normal jackpot that is not a probable change, the probability of a jackpot is set to the low probability state (normal state) after the special game (a jackpot game) is finished until the jackpot is determined to be a jackpot by the next jackpot determination. In this embodiment, when the determination result is a jackpot and the jackpot symbol random number is any one of '1', '3', '5', '7', '9', '11', That is, combinations of jackpot symbols that are stopped and displayed on the display device 10 are “1, 1, 1”, “3, 3, 3”, “5, 5, 5”, “7, 7, 7”, “9, A high probability state (probability variation state) is obtained in the case of an odd combination (an odd number) of any of “9, 9” and “11, 11, 11”.
On the other hand, when the determination result is a jackpot and the jackpot symbol random number is any one of “0”, “2”, “4”, “6”, “8”, “10”, that is, the display The combinations of jackpot symbols that are stopped and displayed on the device 10 are “0, 0, 0”, “2, 2, 2”, “4, 4, 4”, “6, 6, 6”, “8, 8, 8”. ”And“ 10, 10, 10 ”, a low probability state (normal state) is obtained in the case of an even combination (an even number of eyes).

Further, when the probability variation (high probability) state is reached, the jackpot probability in the determination of success or failure becomes the high probability (probability variation) state, and the opening (expansion) time of the lower start winning opening 42 is low probability (normal). The number of times of opening (expanding) of the lower start winning opening 42 is increased from 1 to 3 times in the low probability (normal) state, and the probability per normal symbol is increased. It increases from 1/300 to 1/5 of the low probability (normal) state.
The low probability state (normal state) corresponds to a normal game, while the high probability state (probability change state) corresponds to a privilege game that gives a privilege more advantageous to the player than the normal game. The benefit may be any one of shortening the opening (expansion) time of the lower start winning opening 42 and increasing the number of times of opening, increasing the probability per ordinary symbol, or increasing the probability per jackpot.

  The reach random number counter is used for determining whether or not a reach state is reached when the jackpot determination result based on the jackpot random number value is out of reach, and is a random number of “0” to “126”. Consists of. The reach state in the present embodiment is other than the special symbol (for example, the middle special symbol) that is stopped and displayed last among the left special symbol, the middle special symbol, and the right special symbol that are displayed on the display device 10 in a variable stop state. Special symbols (for example, left special symbol and right special symbol) are the same (excluding the final stop symbol, the state is equal to the jackpot special symbol combination, and finally the jackpot special symbol combination is off State including the case of a special symbol combination). The random number of the reach random number counter (reach random number) starts from “0” when the gaming machine 1 is turned on, and is incremented by 1 every time a normal symbol / special symbol main random number update process described later is performed. Then, it is set to “0” and the addition is repeated again. The reach random number is acquired due to winning in the upper start winning opening 41 or the lower start winning opening 42, and when the result of the determination is wrong, the numerical value is compared with a predetermined reach establishment value. The reach is determined. In this embodiment, reach establishment values are “5”, “17”, “28”, “40”, “51”, “63”, “74”, “86”, “97”, “109”, “ 120 '.

  The special symbol data random number counter is used for determining a special symbol combination that is to be stopped and displayed on the display device 10 when the jackpot determination result based on the jackpot random number value is out of order. A random number counter for special symbol data 1 for determining the left special symbol to be stopped, a random number counter for special symbol data 2 for determining the middle special symbol, and a random number counter for special symbol data 3 for determining the right special symbol; Each special symbol data random number counter is composed of random numbers from “0” to “11”.

  The random number of the special symbol data 1 starts from “0” when the power is turned on, and is incremented by “1” every time the normal symbol / special symbol main random number update processing described later is performed. And the addition is repeated again. The random number of the special symbol data 2 starts from “0” when the power is turned on, and is incremented by “1” when the random number of the special symbol data 1 is rewritten to “0”, and reaches “11”. Then, it is rewritten to “0” and the addition is repeated again. Further, the random number of the special symbol data 3 starts from “0” when the power is turned on, and is incremented by “1” when the random number of the special symbol data 2 is rewritten to “0”, and reaches “11”. Then, it is rewritten to “0” and the addition is repeated again. Thereby, even if the random number ranges of the special symbol data 1 to 3 are the same, the random numbers of the special symbol data 1 to 3 can be prevented from being synchronized (added in the same combination).

  Each random number of the special symbol data 1 to 3 is “0” for “0”, “1” for “1”, “2” for “2”, etc. A left special symbol, a middle special symbol, and a right special symbol that are stopped and displayed on the display device 10 at the time of disengagement are assigned. The random numbers of the special symbol data 1 to 3 are acquired due to winning in the upper starting winning port 41 or the lower starting winning port 42, and when the special symbol data 1 to 3 are combined, The left special symbol, middle special symbol, and right special symbol displayed on the display device 10 are determined.

  The variation mode random number counter is used when the variation mode of the special symbol (identification symbol) in the display device 10 is selected from the variation mode table, and includes variation mode random numbers of “0” to “198”. When the gaming machine 1 is turned on, the fluctuation mode random number value starts from “0” and is incremented by 1 for each of the normal symbol / special symbol main random number update processing to be described later. It is set to “0” and the addition is repeated again. The variation mode random value is acquired due to winning in the upper start winning opening 41 or the lower start winning opening 42.

  A plurality of the variation mode tables are provided. In this embodiment, there are provided six types of tables including a normal hit fluctuation mode table, a normal reach loss fluctuation mode table, a normal loss fluctuation mode table, a probability change per change mode table, a probability change reach loss change mode table, and a probability change loss change mode table. Yes. Each variation mode table is composed of a plurality of variations of special symbols displayed on the display device 10 and is stored in the ROM of the main control board 200. In this embodiment, the variation mode is selected based on the variation mode random value from the variation mode table selected according to whether the gaming state is the probability variation state or the normal state, and whether the determination result is true or false. One variation mode is selected. From the normal hit fluctuation mode table, from the normal hit fluctuation mode, from the normal reach loss fluctuation mode table, from the normal reach fluctuation mode, from the normal loss fluctuation mode table, from the normal loss fluctuation mode, from the probability change per fluctuation mode table, from the normal variation fluctuation mode, to the probability change reach loss The probability variation reach loss variation mode is selected from the variation mode table, and the probability variation loss variation mode is selected from the probability variation loss variation mode table. A variation mode random value is assigned to each variation mode, and a variation mode corresponding to the acquired variation mode random value is selected. A variation time is set for each variation mode, and the special symbol displayed on the display device 10 is determined to be varied / stopped in accordance with the set variation time.

  The acquired jackpot random number value, jackpot symbol random number value, reach random number value, and variation mode random number value are respectively associated with the special symbol variation reserved ball number in the corresponding area in the RAM of the main control board 200, respectively. Stored and used sequentially.

  The normal symbol random number counter is used to determine a normal symbol per unit, and has a normal symbol random number of “0” to “299”. When the gaming machine 1 is turned on, it starts from “0” and will be described later. “1” is added every time the special symbol main random number update process is performed, and when it reaches “299”, it is rewritten to “0” and the addition is repeated again. The normal symbol random numbers are acquired every time the normal symbol variation start switch detects a game ball that has passed through the normal symbol variation start gate 55, and up to four normal symbol random numbers in the RAM of the main control board 200. Stored in the storage area. The value of the normal symbol random number acquired due to the passing of the game ball through the normal symbol variation start gate 55 is set to “5” (1/300) as the established value per normal symbol in the low probability state. If it matches the probability of “0” to “59” (1/5) set as a numerical value established per normal symbol in the probability variation (high probability) state, Usually per symbol. In the case of per normal symbol, “O” is displayed on the normal symbol display device 50, and the lower start winning opening 42 is released according to whether or not it is in the certain change state, and the release time is released. If the normal symbol random number value does not match the established value per normal symbol, it is out of the normal symbol and "x" is displayed on the normal symbol display device 50, and the lower start winning opening 42 is in a state where it is difficult to win. Leave.

  The game of the gaming machine 1 will be briefly described. In the gaming machine 1, when the game balls launched by the launching device 64 toward the gaming area 6 win the various winning devices (winning ports) and a winning is detected, each winning device is The number of game balls set for the detection of one winning ball is paid out to the ball receiving upper plate 36 by the payout device 281 as a prize ball. The game balls paid out to the ball receiving upper plate 36 are guided to the ball receiving lower plate 37 when the ball receiving upper plate 36 is full.

  Further, when the game ball passes through the normal symbol variation start gate 55, a normal symbol random number is acquired, and the normal symbol display device 50 determines the normal symbol per unit based on the acquired random number value. Starts to fluctuate and stops after fluctuating for a predetermined time. At that time, if the determination result per normal symbol is a win, it stops at the normal symbol, “◯” in this example, and the two movable pieces 42a and 42b of the lower start winning port 42 are on the back side. The closed solenoid (normal state), which is almost vertical and difficult to win, is changed from the closed solenoid (normal state) to the open state in which a prize can be awarded in a substantially V shape (reverse C shape). In the case of the probability variation state, when it comes to the normal symbol, the lower start winning opening 42 is opened for 2 seconds three times. On the other hand, in the case of the low probability state, it is released for 1 second. Is performed once. When a game ball wins the lower start winning opening 42, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out as a prize ball.

  Further, when a game ball wins the upper start winning opening 41 or the lower start winning opening 42, a random number value (game information) such as a jackpot random number value, a jackpot symbol random number value, a reach random number value, a variation mode random number value, etc. is acquired. The jackpot determination is made based on the acquired jackpot random value, and one variation mode is selected from the variation mode table based on the result of the success / failure determination and the variation mode random value. Based on the selected variation mode, the display device 10 starts the variation display of the special symbol.

  Further, when a game ball wins (wins) the upper start winning opening 41 or the lower start winning opening 42 during the special symbol variation display, the big hit random number value, the big hit symbol random number value, the reach random number value, the fluctuation mode fluctuation If a random number value (game information) such as a numerical value is acquired, and the number of special symbol variation holding balls is less than 4, the special symbol variation holding ball number is incremented by 1, and the acquired jackpot random number value, jackpot symbol random number value, reach A random number value (game information) such as a random number value, a variation mode random value, or the like is stored in the RAM of the main control board 200 until a maximum of 4 (until hold 4). Further, when a game ball is won in the upper start winning opening 41 or the lower start winning opening 42, a pre-determination is performed and stored together with the game information.

  After the special symbol variation display is performed on the display device 10 for the variation time set in the variation mode, the special symbol stop display is performed. When the left special symbol, the middle special symbol, and the right special symbol that are stopped and displayed are a combination of jackpot symbols (in the present embodiment, it is a rough game), the game shifts to a jackpot game (special game).

  In the big win game (special game) state, the open / close plate 46 of the big prize opening 45 is opened to make it easy to receive the game balls falling on the surface of the game area 6 so that the big prize opening 45 can be won. . When a winning in the big winning opening 45 is detected, the number of prize balls set for the detection of one winning ball is paid out. The opening / closing plate 46 is closed after a predetermined time (for example, 29.5 seconds) has elapsed or when the number of winning balls reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10). The special winning opening 45 repeats opening of the opening / closing plate 46 by a predetermined number of rounds (for example, 15 rounds).

  The payout of the game balls by the payout device 281 is configured to be performed every predetermined number (25 in this embodiment) when the number of payouts is accumulated more than a predetermined number. ) Is provided to stop the execution of the payout operation of the payout device 281 during the stop time.

In this embodiment, the display device 10 is specially combined with a normal jackpot symbol combination consisting of even numbers such as “0, 0, 0”, “2, 2, 2”, “4, 4, 4”. When a symbol is stopped and displayed, it is usually a big jackpot, and after the jackpot game (special game) is finished, the jackpot probability is low ((2/630 (1/315) in this example)) until the next jackpot. On the other hand, a special symbol is displayed on the display device 10 by a combination of probability variation jackpot symbols composed of odd numbers such as “1, 1, 1”, “3, 3, 3”, “5, 5, 5”, etc. When the stop display is made, it becomes a promising jackpot, and after the jackpot game (special game) ends, the probability of jackpot is set to a high probability (in this embodiment (12/630 (6/315)) until the next jackpot. In addition, the lower start in the case of normal symbols The opening (expansion) time of the prize opening 42 is increased from 1 second in the low probability (normal) state to 2 seconds, and the number of opening (expansion) of the lower start winning opening 42 is low probability (normal) state. The probability per ordinary symbol increases from 1/300 to 1/5 of the low probability (normal) state.
When the number of special symbol variation holding balls is 1 or more after the big hit game is finished, the special symbol variation display is started for the next suspension.

  On the other hand, if the left special symbol, middle special symbol, and right special symbol that are displayed in a stopped state are out of the combination (other than gloomy eyes in this embodiment), there is no transition to the jackpot game (special game). If the number of symbol variation holding balls is 1 or more, the special symbol variation display is started for the next suspension.

  Further, in this embodiment, when an abnormality occurs in the payout device 281, the payout operation by the payout device 281 is stopped (the payout operation is not performed even if there is a payout ball), The decoration lamp 38 blinks in a predetermined pattern and an abnormality of the payout device 281 is notified, and in the case of a sensor abnormality, the anomaly is canceled by pressing the error release switch 273 after the abnormality has been resolved such as sensor replacement. The notification is stopped and the dispensing device is changed to an operable state.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, the apparatus includes an abnormality detecting means for detecting an abnormality of the gaming machine different from the payout abnormality of the payout device 281 and an abnormality determining means for determining whether or not the gaming machine is abnormal. When an abnormal state of the gaming machine is detected continuously for a period of time, the abnormality determining means is configured to determine that there is an abnormality. The abnormality detection time is set to be shorter than the pause time of the payout device 281. As an abnormality of the gaming machine different from the payout abnormality, in the present embodiment, there are an abnormality in the lower plate full (full tank) state and an abnormality in the absence of a ball. FIG. 37 is a time chart showing the relationship between the pause time, the lower-plate full detection time, and the no-ball detection time.

  When the abnormality determining means determines that there is an abnormality in the gaming machine, the execution of the payout operation by the payout device 281 is stopped (the payout operation is not performed even if there is a payout ball), The abnormality notification lamp 39 is lit to notify that the lower pan is full or there is no ball. In the case where the lower plate full is abnormal, the player or the like reduces the number of game balls in the ball receiving lower plate 37, the abnormality is eliminated, and the abnormality notification is automatically stopped. In the case of an abnormality without a ball, the abnormality is eliminated by supplying a gaming ball to the gaming machine 1, and the abnormality notification is automatically stopped.

  The control process in the gaming machine 1 will be described below. Examples of main flags provided in the control circuit of the main control board 200 include a big hit flag, a big hit end flag, a probability change flag, and the like in this embodiment. These flags are all turned off (= 0) at the initial setting.

  In the main process M of the main control board, as shown in FIG. 4, an initial setting process (S10), an interrupt prohibition process (S20), a normal symbol / special symbol main random number update process (S30), and an interrupt permission process (S40) are performed. Done. Further, after the interrupt permission process (S40), a loop process to return to the interrupt prohibition process (S20) is performed, and the interrupt process (S100) is performed during this loop process.

  In the initial setting process (S10), stack setting, interrupt time setting, CPU setting, SIO, PIO, CTC setting and the like are performed. This main process M is repeatedly performed every interrupt time (4 ms), but the initial setting process (S10) is a process necessary only at the time of power-on and reset, and is executed only in the first round. Although it is not executed after that, it is well known, and the details are omitted. In the interrupt prohibition process (S20), even if the interrupt process (S100) is entered every 4 msec, the interrupt is prohibited until the interrupt is permitted. In the normal symbol / special symbol main random number update process (S30), various random numbers are incremented by one for each normal symbol / special symbol main random number update process (S30). Return to '0' and the addition is performed again. The updated random number is stored in the RAM of the main control board 200. In the interrupt permission process (S40), the interrupt process (S100) that enters every 4 msec is permitted.

  In the interrupt process (S100), as shown in FIG. 5, first, an output process (S110) is performed. In the output process (S110), the command (control signal) stored in the output buffer of the main control board 200 by each process is output to the corresponding control board (control device) or the like. In the subsequent input process (S120), signal input is performed when various sensors (such as detection switches of the winning devices) provided in the gaming machine 1 are detected. Following the input process (S120), a command reception process (S130) is performed.

  In the command reception process (S130), as shown in FIG. 6, it is confirmed whether the received command is valid (S130-1). If the command is not valid, the command reception process (S130) is terminated. On the other hand, if the received command is valid, it is determined whether the received command is each abnormal command (abnormal information signal) or abnormal cancel command (abnormal cancel information signal) (S130-2). If the received command is an abnormal command or an abnormal cancellation command, output data to the device corresponding to the received abnormal command or abnormal cancellation command is set (S130-3), and then this command reception processing (S130) is performed. finish. On the other hand, if the received command is neither an abnormal command nor an abnormal cancellation command, processing according to the received command is performed (S130-4), and thereafter, this command reception processing (S130) ends.

  The abnormal command received by the main control board 200 includes a payout abnormality command (a payout abnormality information signal) transmitted from the payout control board 240 when an abnormality is detected according to the detection state of the sensor of the payout device 281. When it is detected that the game balls in the ball receiving lower tray 37 are full, a lower tray full command (a signal of lower plate full abnormality information) transmitted from the payout control board 240 is supplied to the payout device 281. For example, a command without a ball (a signal of ball-abnormal abnormality information) transmitted from the payout control board 240 when the game ball is out of ball. On the other hand, as an error cancel command, there are a payout error cancel command (signal of cancel error cancel information), a lower pan non-full command (signal of lower pan full error cancel information), and a command with ball (signal of error cancel information without ball) Can be mentioned. In this embodiment, the corresponding devices in S130-3 are the payout device 281 and the decoration lamp 35 for the payout abnormality command and the payout abnormality cancel command, and the lower plate full command and the lower plate non-full command and the ball. The abnormality notification lamp 39 is used for the absence command and the command with ball.

  Following the command reception process (S130), an operation timer subtraction process (S140) is performed. In the operation timer subtraction process (S140), the subtraction process is performed on various timers provided on the main control board 200, such as an in-operation command transmission timer described later. Following the operation timer subtraction process (S140), a prize ball control process (S150) is performed.

  In the prize ball control process (S150), as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, it is determined (S150-1 to 7) which prize device (winning mouth) has been won, and the prize ball (game ball) is paid out for the prize. Processing such as command setting (S150-9 to 15 and S151) and processing such as command setting during operation (S150-8, S150-16 and S151) are performed. More specifically, it is first determined whether or not a winning at the big winning opening 45 is detected (S150-1). If a winning is detected, a payout command for 13 winning balls is output to the RAM output buffer of the main control board 200. It is set (S150-9), and at the same time, a payout control board command process (S151) described later is performed. On the other hand, if a winning at the big winning opening 45 is not detected, it is determined whether a winning at the upper start winning opening 41 is detected (S150-2), and if a winning is detected, a winning ball Three payout commands are stored in the output buffer of the main control board 200 (S150-10), and a payout control board command process (S151) described later is performed at the same time. If no winning is detected at the upper starting winning opening 41, it is determined whether a winning at the lower starting winning opening 42 is detected (S150-3). If a winning is detected, a winning ball is detected. Four payout commands are stored in the output buffer of the main control board 200 (S150-11), and a payout control board command process (S151) described later is performed at the same time.

  On the other hand, if a winning at the lower start winning opening 42 is not detected, it is determined whether a winning at the left sleeve first winning opening 51 is detected (S150-4), and a winning is detected. In this case, a payout command for 10 prize balls is stored in the output buffer of the main control board 200 (S150-12), and a payout control board command process (S151) to be described later is performed at the same time. If no winning in the left sleeve first winning opening 51 is detected, it is determined whether a winning in the left sleeve second winning opening 52 is detected (S150-5), and a winning is detected. The 10 winning ball payout commands are stored in the output buffer of the main control board 200 (S150-13), and a payout control board command process (S151) described later is performed at the same time.

  On the other hand, if no winning at the left sleeve second winning opening 52 has been detected, it is determined whether a winning at the left dropping winning opening 53 has been detected (S150-6), and a winning has been detected. The 10 winning ball payout commands are stored in the output buffer of the main control board 200 (S150-14), and at the same time, payout control board command processing (S151) described later is performed. If a winning at the left dropping winning opening 53 is not detected, it is determined whether a winning at the right dropping winning opening 54 is detected (S150-7). If a winning is detected, the winning ball 10 is determined. The individual payout command is stored in the output buffer of the main control board 200 (S150-15), and a payout control board command process (S151) described later is performed at the same time.

  On the other hand, if no winning at the right-fall winning winning port 54 is detected, it is confirmed whether the value of the operating command transmission timer is 0 (S150-8), and the value of the operating command transmission timer is 0. The operating command is stored in the output buffer of the main control board 200 (S150-16), and a payout control board command process (S151) to be described later is performed at the same time, and then the prize ball control process (S150) is completed. . On the other hand, if the value of the command transmission timer during operation is not 0, the prize ball control process (S150) is immediately terminated. Note that the value of the operating command transmission timer is set to 0 at power-on and reset, and a predetermined value is set in a payout control board command process (S151) described later. In S150-16, the operating command is It is stored in the output buffer of the main control board 200.

  In the payout control board command processing (S151), as shown in FIG. 9, a command is output to the payout control board 240 (S151-1), and then a predetermined value (for example, an operating command transmission timer (for example, 1000 ms) is set (S151-2), and this payout control board command processing (S151) is completed. The command output to the payout control board 240 in S151-1 is a prize ball payout command stored when a prize ball payout command is stored in the output buffer. If an in-operation command is stored, the stored in-operation command is stored. At the time of power-on and reset, the value of the operating command transmission timer is set to 0 and the operating command is stored in the output buffer of the main control board 200, so that the main control board 200 can be operated. As soon as the (game control possible state) is entered, an operating command is output.

  The prize ball payout command is a control signal for causing the payout control board 240 to control the payout device. The in-operation command is an operable signal for causing the dispensing control board 240 to recognize that the main control board 200 is in an operable state. Further, the value (time) set in the operating command transmission timer corresponds to the first time.

  In this embodiment, two-way communication is possible between the main control board 200 and the payout control board 240, but the payout control board 240 is in a certain period of time (during the operation) from the main control board 200 as will be described later. When no signal is received from the main control board 200 for a time longer than a first time (for example, 1000 ms) set in the command transmission timer, for example, 3000 ms (corresponding to the second time), the main control board 200 Since it is unclear whether the main control board 200 is in an operable state (whether it is standing up), it is determined that the main control board 200 is in an inoperable state and no signal is output to the main control board 200. . Therefore, the main control board 200 periodically transmits an operating command (operation enable signal) to the payout control board 240 at regular time intervals (first time set in the operating command transmission timer). The payout control board 240 side is informed that the main control board 200 is in an operable state.

Following the prize ball control process (S150), a normal symbol / special symbol main random number update process (S160) is performed.
In the normal symbol / special symbol main random number update process (S160), the same process as the normal symbol / special symbol main random number update process (S30) performed in the loop process in the main process M is performed. Next to the normal symbol / special symbol main random number update process (S130), a winning detection process (S170) is performed.

  In the winning detection process (S170), as shown in FIG. 10, it is determined whether a game ball has entered the upper starting winning port 41 or the upper starting winning port 42 and a winning is detected (S170-1). If it is not detected, the winning detection process (S170) ends. On the other hand, when a game ball enters the upper start winning opening 41 or the upper start winning opening 42 and a winning is detected, it is confirmed whether the number of special symbol variation holding balls is four or more (S170-2). When the number of special symbol variation holding balls is 4 or more, the winning detection process (S170) is ended. On the other hand, when the number of special symbol variation holding balls is less than 4, 1 is added to the number of special symbol variation holding balls ( S170-3), a special symbol related random number is acquired and stored in the corresponding area of the RAM (S170-4), and the winning detection process (S170) is completed. The special symbol related random numbers acquired here are the jackpot random number value, jackpot symbol random number value, reach random number value, special symbol data random number value, variation mode random number value, and the like. Following this winning detection process (S170), a normal operation process (S180) is performed.

  In the normal operation process (S180), when a game ball passes through the normal symbol variation start gate 55 and the number of normal symbol variation hold balls is less than 4, the acquisition of the normal symbol random number, the normal symbol stop display, Processing related to normal symbols such as opening / closing processing of the side start winning opening is performed. Following the normal operation process (S180), a special operation process (S190) is performed.

  In the special operation process (S190), as shown in FIG. 11, it is determined which of the special operation status is 1 to 4 (S190-1 to 190-3). When the special operation status is 1, a special symbol standby process (S190-4) is performed. On the other hand, when the special operation status is 2, a changing process (S190-5 is performed) and the special operation is performed. When the status is 3, special symbol confirmation processing (S190-6) is performed, and when the special operation status is 4, special electric accessory processing (S190-7) is performed.

  In the special symbol standby process (S190-4), as shown in FIG. 12, it is determined whether or not the number of special symbol variation holding balls is 0 (S190-4-1), and the number of special symbol variation suspension balls is 0. In this case, it is determined whether or not the display device 10 is in a standby screen (standby screen) where the special symbol is not changing (S190-4-7). When the process (S190-4) is completed, but is not in the standby screen (standby screen), a setting process for setting the display device 10 to the standby screen (standby screen) is performed (S190-4-8). Thereafter, the special symbol standby process (S190-4) is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S190-4-1 that the number of special symbol variation holding balls is not 0, special symbol jackpot determination processing (S190-4-2) is performed. The special symbol jackpot determination process (S190-4-2) corresponds to determination of whether or not the game is successful. In the special symbol jackpot determination process (S190-4-2), as shown in FIG. 13, first, the jackpot random number value stored in the RAM of the main control board 200 is loaded as a determination value (S190-4). 2-1), the address of the RAM storing the jackpot determination value table that defines the jackpot value at the time of high probability and low probability is set (S190-4-2-2). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the current probability change is in progress (high probability state) (S190-4-2-3). Whether or not the probability change is in progress is determined by whether the probability change flag provided on the main control board 200 is ON (high probability state) or OFF (low probability state). When the probability change is in progress, it is determined whether or not the jackpot is based on whether or not the jackpot value in the high probability state matches the loaded jackpot random value (S190-4-2-4). If it is not medium, that is, in the low probability state, it is determined whether or not the jackpot is established based on whether or not the jackpot value in the low probability state matches the loaded jackpot random number value (S190-4-2-5). Then, it is determined that a big hit is made, and the big hit flag provided on the main control board 200 is set to ON (S190-4-2-6). Thereafter, the special symbol jackpot determination process (S190-4-2) ends. If it is determined in S190-4-2-4 or S190-4-2-5 that it is not a big hit, this special symbol big hit determination process (S190-4-2) without turning on the big hit flag. Ends.

  After the special symbol jackpot determination process (S190-4-2), a special symbol variation mode selection process (S190-4-3) is performed. The special symbol variation mode selection process (S190-4-3) corresponds to variation mode selection means. In the special symbol variation mode selection process (S190-4-3), as shown in FIG. 14, it is determined by the probability variation flag whether the gaming state is normal or probability variation (S190-4-3-1). In the case of a normal game (probability change flag is OFF), it is determined whether or not the jackpot flag is ON (jackpot) (S190-4-3-3). If the jackpot flag is ON (jackpot), the variation mode table is determined. The variation mode is selected based on the random number value of the variation mode from the normal hit table (the variation modes 1 and 2 in this embodiment) (S190-4-3-3). On the other hand, when the jackpot flag is OFF (disconnected), the reach random number value acquired in the winning detection process (S170) and stored in the RAM of the main control board 200 is loaded, and the reach establishment value (S190-4-3-3-4), if there is a match, there is a reach, and the variation mode random value is changed from the normal reach loss table in the variation mode table (variation modes 3 to 6 in this embodiment). Based on this, the variation mode is selected (S190-4-3-5). Further, when the reach random number value does not match the reach establishment value, the reach is absent, and the variation mode is selected based on the variation mode random value from the normal loss table (the variation modes 7 to 9 in this embodiment) in the variation mode table. (S190-4-3-6).

  On the other hand, when the probability change is in progress (the probability variation flag is ON), it is determined whether or not the jackpot flag is ON (big hit) (S190-4-3-7). The variation mode is selected based on the variation mode random number value from the probability variation hit table in the mode table (the variation modes 10 to 12 in this embodiment) (S190-4-3-8). On the other hand, when the jackpot flag is OFF (disconnected), it is confirmed whether or not the reach random number value matches the reach establishment value (S190-4-3-9). The variation mode is selected based on the variation mode random number value from the probability variation reach loss table (the variation modes 13 to 16 in this embodiment) in the variation mode table (S190-4-3-10). Further, when the reach random number value does not match the reach establishment value, there is no reach, and the variation mode is selected based on the variation mode random number value from the probability variation loss table in the variation mode table (the variation modes 17 to 19 in this embodiment). (S190-4-3-11).

  After the variation mode is selected, other processing (S190-4-3-12) is performed, and then the special symbol variation mode selection process (160-4-3) is terminated. After the special symbol variation mode selection process (S190-4-3), a special symbol selection process (S190-4-4) is performed.

  In the special symbol selection process (S190-4-4), a special symbol to be stopped and displayed on the display device 10 is determined. In the special symbol selection process (S190-4-4), as shown in FIG. 15, it is first determined whether or not the jackpot flag is ON (S190-4-4-1). A special symbol based on the jackpot symbol random number is set as a stop special symbol (S190-4-4-2). On the other hand, if the jackpot flag is not ON, that is, if it is off, it is determined whether the random numbers of the special symbol data 1, the special symbol data 2, and the special symbol data 3 all match (S190-4-4-3). In the case of coincidence, it is determined whether the reach random number value coincides with the reach establishment value (S190-4-4-4). When the reach random number value matches the reach establishment value, the reach is present, and the special symbol assigned to the random value of the special symbol data 1 is added to the random number value of the stop left special symbol and the special symbol data 2 The special symbol assigned to the random value is set to the special symbol for stopping, and the special symbol assigned to the random value of the special symbol data 3 is set to the special symbol for stopping right (S190-4-4-5). On the other hand, if the reach random number value does not match the reach establishment value, no reach is reached, and the special symbol assigned to the random value of the special symbol data 1 is changed to the random number value of the left special symbol and the special symbol data 2 The special symbol assigned is the special symbol for stoppage, and the special symbol assigned to the random value obtained by adding 1 to the random value of the special symbol data 3 is set as the special symbol for stop right (S190-4-4-6). .

  If it is determined in S190-4-4-3 that the random numbers of the special symbol data 1, 2 and 3 do not match, it is determined whether the random values of the special symbol data 1 and 3 match. (S190-4-4-7). If the random numbers of the special symbol data 1 and 3 match, it is determined whether the reach random number value matches the reach establishment value (S190-4-4-8). If the reach random number value matches the reach establishment value, the reach is present, and the special symbol assigned to the random value of the special symbol data 1 is assigned to the random number value of the stop left special symbol and the special symbol data 2 The special symbol assigned to the random symbol value of the special symbol data 3 which is the special symbol being stopped and the special symbol data 3 is set to the stopped special symbol (S190-4-4-9). On the other hand, if the reach random number value does not match the reach establishment value, no reach is reached, and the special symbol assigned to the random value of the special symbol data 1 is changed to the random number value of the left special symbol and the special symbol data 2 The special symbol assigned is the special symbol for stoppage, and the special symbol assigned to the random value obtained by adding 1 to the random value of the special symbol data 3 is set as the special symbol for stop right (S190-4-4-6). .

  When it is determined in S190-4-4-7 that the random numbers of the special symbol data 1 and 3 do not match, that is, the special symbol data 1, 2, and 3 are all different, the reach random number value is established. It is determined whether or not it matches the numerical value (S190-4-4-10). When the reach random number value matches the reach establishment value, the reach is present, and the special symbol assigned to the random value of the special symbol data 3 is set as the stop left special symbol and the stop right special symbol, The special symbol assigned to the random number value obtained by adding 1 to the random number value of the special symbol data 3 is set as the special symbol during stoppage (S190-4-4-11). On the other hand, if the reach random number value does not match the reach establishment value, no reach is reached, and the special symbol assigned to the random value of the special symbol data 1 is changed to the random number value of the left special symbol and the special symbol data 2 The assigned special symbol is set to the stopped special symbol, and the special symbol assigned to the random number value of the special symbol data 3 is set to the stopped right special symbol (S190-4-4-9). Following the special symbol selection process (S190-4-4), a special symbol random number shift process (S190-4-5) is performed.

  In the special symbol random number shift process (S190-4-5), in the data storage area of the special symbol variation holding ball number of the RAM, the special symbol variation suspension stored in the storage area of the load (reading) ranking first place. Due to the fact that the number of balls data is loaded and vacant due to the previous processing, the loading order is one for the data of the number of special symbol variation holding balls stored in the second and subsequent addresses. The address is shifted up one by one. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, first, 1 is subtracted from the number of special symbol fluctuation holding balls stored in the RAM of the main control board 200 (for example, the number of holding balls of 2 is set to 1 and 3 (S190-4-5-1), and the data corresponding to each number of reserved balls is shifted to the RAM address of the number of reserved balls obtained by subtracting 1 from each number of reserved balls (S190). -4-5-2) Subsequently, 0 is set to the RAM address corresponding to the special symbol variation holding ball number at the top (the load order is the last, the fourth in this embodiment) (S190-4-5). -3). Subsequent to the special symbol random number shift process (S190-4-5), a special symbol variation start process (S190-4-6) is performed.

  In the special symbol variation start process (S190-4-6), the special operation status is set to 2 and other processing necessary for starting the variation of the special symbol is performed. After the special symbol variation start process (S190-4-6), the special symbol standby process (S190-4) ends.

  In the changing process (S190-5) performed when the special operation status is 2, as shown in FIG. 17, it is first determined whether or not the change time of the special symbol, that is, the change time of the selected change mode has ended. (S190-5-1), if the change time has not ended, the changing process (S190-5) ends. On the other hand, if the fluctuation time has ended, a fluctuation stop command is set (S190-5-2), then the special operation status is set to 3 (S190-5-3), and other necessary processing (S190-5). -4) is performed, the changing process (S190-5) ends.

  In the special symbol confirmation process (S190-6) performed when the special operation status is 3, as shown in FIG. 18, it is first determined whether or not the big hit flag is ON, that is, whether or not the big hit flag is set (S190-6). 1). When the jackpot flag is ON, that is, when the jackpot is big, the round counter is set (S190-6-2) and the special operation status is set to 4 (S190-6-3). -6) ends. On the other hand, if the jackpot flag is OFF, that is, it is off, the special operation status is set to 1 (S190-6-4), and then the special symbol confirmation process (S190-6) is ended.

  In the special electric accessory processing (S190-7) performed when the special operation status is 4, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, first, the probability variation flag is reset to OFF (S190-7-1). Then, it is determined whether or not the jackpot end flag is ON (the jackpot game ends) (S190-7-2). When the jackpot end flag is not ON, that is, when the jackpot game is not ended, it is determined whether or not the big prize opening 15 is currently open (S190-7-3). It is determined whether or not it is the opening time of the big prize opening 15 (SS190-7-4). In the case of the opening time of the special winning opening 15, the special winning opening process is performed (S190-7-5), and then the special electric accessory process (S190-7) is finished. On the other hand, when it is not the opening time of the special winning opening 15, this special electric accessory processing (S190-7) is ended.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S190-7-3 that the big prize opening 15 is open, ten game balls are won in the big prize opening 15 (S190-7-6) or the round end time (in this embodiment). 30 seconds) is determined (S190-7-7), and if it is not, the special electric accessory processing (S190-7) is terminated as it is, and a special prize opening is received. In the case where 10 game balls are won in 15 or the end of the round end time has elapsed, the special winning opening closing process (S190-7-8) and the process of subtracting 1 from the value of the round counter (S190-7- 9) is performed. In the special winning opening closing process (S190-7-8), a special winning opening closing command is set in the output buffer. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the round counter is 0 (S190-7-10). If the round counter is not 0, the special electric accessory processing (S190-7) is terminated as it is, and the round counter is processed. When the counter is 0, the jackpot end process (S190-7-11) is performed, and then the jackpot end flag is turned ON (S190-7-12), and this special electric accessory process (S190-7) Ends.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in S190-7-2 that the jackpot end flag is ON, that is, when the jackpot end flag is determined, the process of setting the jackpot end flag to OFF (S190-7-13) and the process of setting the jackpot flag to OFF (S190-7-2) S190-7-14) is performed, and then it is determined whether or not the jackpot type is probable (S190-7-15). In the special symbol selection process (S190-4-4), if the jackpot symbol set based on the jackpot symbol random number is an odd number, the probability variation (high probability) is determined. If it is an even number, it is judged as normal (low probability). In the case of probability variation (high probability), the probability variation flag is turned on (S190-7-16). On the other hand, in case of normal (low probability) different from probability variation, the probability variation flag is turned off (S190). -7-17), then, the special operation status is set to 1 (S190-7-18), and this special electric accessory processing (S190-7) ends.

  Following the special operation process (S190), a reserved ball number process (S200) is performed. In the reserved ball number process (S200), as shown in FIG. 21, the reserved ball number is loaded (S200-1), and the reserved ball number is set in the output buffer (S200-2).

  A power-off monitoring process (S210) is performed after the reserved ball number process (S200). In the power-off monitoring process (S210), as shown in FIG. 22, it is determined whether a power-off signal has been input (S210-1). If no power-off signal has been input, this power-off monitoring process (S210). Ends. On the other hand, when the power-off signal is input, the current data (game state) is stored in the RAM of the main control board 200 (S210-2), and then the power-off flag is set to ON (S210-). 3) This power-off monitoring process (S180) ends. The data (game state) stored in the RAM of the main control board 200 is roughly divided into display standby, symbol variation, symbol fixed display, and jackpot game data. (High probability state) and normal state (low probability state) data.

  Following the power-off monitoring process (S210), other processes (S220) are performed. In other processing (S220), other processing necessary for game control is performed.

The payout control board process (S400) executed by the CPU of the payout control board 240 will be described.
In the payout control board process (S400), as shown in FIG. 23, first, initialization of the RAM in the payout control board 240 (S401) is performed, and then initial setting of various devices on the payout control board 240 (S401). S402) is performed. After the initial setting of the device (S402), a loop process is performed. During this loop process, sensor and switch input processes (S403), port output processes (S404), command analysis processes (S405), and dispenser control Processing (S406), timer update processing (S407), payout processing (S408), and command output processing (S409) are performed.

In the sensor / switch input process (S403), the input of the switches (sensors) such as the payout left sensor 281h and the payout right sensor 281i of the payout device 281, the no-ball detection switch 283, and the lower pan full switch is performed. Is called.
In the port output process (S404), a process of writing the acquired data to the output port is performed.

  In the command analysis process (S405), as shown in FIG. 24, it is determined whether the command (in-operation command or the like) received from the main control board 200 is valid or invalid (S405-1), and the received command is invalid. This command analysis process (S405) ends. On the other hand, when the received command is valid, it can be confirmed that the main control board 200 is operating (in an operable state) by receiving the command (signal) from the main control board 200. A predetermined value (initial value, for example, 3000 ms, which corresponds to the second time in this embodiment, which is longer than the first time) is set in the command reception timer (S405-2). . Note that the time of the command reception timer is subtracted in a timer update process described later.

  Next, it is determined whether the received command is a prize ball payout command set in the prize ball control process (S150) in the main control board 200 (S405-3). If it is not a prize ball payout command, other command processes (S405) are performed. After the step -6) is performed, the command analysis process (S405) ends. Since the other command processing (S405-6) is a known technique not related to the present invention, the description thereof is omitted.

  On the other hand, when the received command is a prize ball payout command, if the number of prize ball payouts is stored, it is determined whether the upper limit of storage (for example, 65535 counts) is exceeded (S405-4). ) Is completed, and if the upper limit of storage is not exceeded, the prize ball payout command and the corresponding prize ball payout number are added to the total prize ball payout number X (S405-5), and this command analysis process (S405) ) Ends.

  In the payout device control process (S406), as shown in FIG. 25, it is first determined whether or not the payout motor of the payout device 281 is operating (driving) (S406-1). If it is in operation, it is checked whether the paid out prize ball (game ball) is detected by the payout left sensor or the payout right sensor (payout detecting means). (S406-2). If the payout left sensor or the payout right sensor detects a prize ball that has been paid out, the prize ball payout number Y (25 payout numbers set in S406-13-2 in FIG. 26 or S406-13). The payout number is subtracted from the payout number set in -3) (S406-3), and it is confirmed whether the remaining payout number Y after the subtraction is 1 or more (S406-4).

  If the payout left sensor or the payout right sensor does not detect a prize ball in S406-2, it is confirmed whether the remaining payout number Y is 1 or more without performing the payout number subtraction process (S406-3). (S406-4). If the remaining payout number Y is 1 or more, driving of the payout motor of the payout device 281 is continued (S406-7), and this payout device control process (S406) is ended. On the other hand, if the remaining payout number Y is less than 1 (that is, 0), the driving of the payout motor of the payout device 281 is stopped (S406-5), and a payout device pause time (for example, 200 ms) is set (S406-). 6) The payout device control process (S406) is terminated. The payout device pause time is a time period during which the drive of the payout motor of the payout device 281 is stopped until the next payout is started when the total prize ball payout number X is 1 or more. Note that the suspension time of the dispensing device 281 is also set at the time of power-on or initial setting at reset.

  If it is determined in S406-1 that the payout motor of the payout device 281 is not operating (driving), that is, it is stopped, it is next determined whether the pause time of the payout device 281 has elapsed (S406-). 8). If it is determined in S406-8 that the payout device has not been stopped, the payout device control process (S406) ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the suspension time has elapsed, it is determined whether or not an abnormality has occurred (S406-9). If an abnormality has occurred, the payout device control process (S406) ends. Therefore, if it is determined in S406-9 that an abnormality has occurred, the execution of the payout operation by the payout device 281 continues and the next payout is postponed until the abnormality is resolved.

  The processes of S406-5, S406-6, and S406-8 correspond to payout suspension means. Further, the process of S406-9 corresponds to the payout stopping means in the present invention. In this case, the occurrence of abnormality means that the dispensing device 281 has a dispensing abnormality, or that the ball receiving lower tray 37 is full of gaming balls, or a lower tray full abnormality has occurred, or This is a case where a ball-free abnormality has been detected by the ball-free detection switch 283, and a dispensing abnormality, a lower pan full abnormality, and a ball-free abnormality are set (stored in the RAM of the dispensing control board 240). It is a case.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S406-9 that no abnormality has occurred, it is confirmed whether the payout number Y is 1 or more (S406-10). When the payout number Y is 1 or more, a payout start command is set in the RAM (storage means) of the payout control board (S406-15), and this payout device control process (S406) is completed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S406-10 that the number of payouts Y is less than 1, it is confirmed whether or not there is a ball lending payout request (S406-11). The ball lending / dispensing request is configured such that a ball lending / discharging request can be made by inserting a card into a card unit (not shown) connected to the gaming machine 1 and operating the ball lending button 81.

  If it is determined in S406-11 that there is a ball lending payout request, the payout number Y is set to 25 (S406-14), and then a payout start command is set in the RAM (storage means) of the payout control board. (S406-15), the payout device control process (S406) is completed. On the other hand, if there is no ball rental payout request, it is confirmed whether or not the total prize ball payout number X is 1 or more (S406-12). If the total prize ball payout number X is less than 1, the payout device control process (S406) ends. On the other hand, if the total prize ball payout number X is 1 or more, a payout control board payout number determination process (S406-13) is performed, and then a payout start command is set in the RAM (storage means) of the payout control board. (S406-15), the payout device control process (S406) is completed.

  The payout control board prize ball payout number determination process (S406-13) corresponds to a payout setting means for setting the number of prize balls (game balls) to be paid out by the payout device 281. In the payout control board payout number determination process (S406-13), as shown in FIG. 26, it is determined whether the total prize ball payout number X is 25 or more (S406-13-1), and the total prize ball payout is determined. When the number X is less than 25, the total prize ball payout number X is set as the payout number Y (S406-13-2), and then 0 is set as the total prize ball payout number X (S406-13-3). Thereafter, the payout control board payout number determination process (S406-13) ends. On the other hand, when the total prize ball payout number X is 25 or more, 25 is set in the payout number Y (S406-13-4), and then the total prize ball payout number X is subtracted from the total number X. The prize ball payout number X is updated (S406-13-5), and then the payout control board payout number determination process (S406-13) is completed.

  In the timer update process (S407), the timers for the operation of the command reception timer and the payout device 281 are updated.

  In the payout process (S408), as shown in FIG. 27, a payout abnormality monitoring process (S408-1), a payout abnormality canceling process (S408-2), a full detection process (S408-3), and a ballless monitoring process (S408- 4) is performed. The payout abnormality monitoring process (S408-1), the full detection process (S408-3), and the ballless monitoring process (S408-4) correspond to the abnormality determining means in the present invention.

  In the payout abnormality monitoring process (S408-1), a payout abnormality command and a payout abnormality are set when a game ball is continuously detected by the payout left sensor or the right sensor for a predetermined time or more due to a game ball clogging or the like. The payout abnormality command and the payout abnormality may be set when the payout of the game ball by the payout device 281 (that is, the drive of the payout motor) continues for a predetermined time or more. Alternatively, a payout abnormality may be set when the total prize ball payout number X is 1 or more and no payout is detected for a predetermined time.

  More specifically, in the payout abnormality monitoring process (S408-1), as shown in FIG. 28, first, it is confirmed whether or not the payout left sensor of the payout device 281 is ON (detected game ball is detected) (S408). -1-1) When the payout left sensor is ON (game ball detection), the value of the payout abnormality monitoring timer 1 is decremented by 1 (S408-1-2), and the value of the payout abnormality monitoring timer 1 after the subtraction is Whether it is 0 or not is confirmed (S408-1-3). When the value of the payout abnormality monitoring timer 1 is 0 (that is, when a game ball is continuously detected for a predetermined time or more by the payout left sensor in the payout device 281), a payout abnormality command (command for paying abnormality notification) is payout control. It is set (stored) in the RAM (storage means) of the substrate 240 (S408-1-4), and the dispensing abnormality is set (0 → 1) in the corresponding area of the abnormality data buffer (RAM of the dispensing control substrate 240) shown in FIG. (S408-1-5), and thereafter, it is confirmed whether or not the payout right sensor of the payout device 281 is ON (detected game ball is detected) (S408-1-7).

  On the other hand, if the value of the payout abnormality monitoring timer 1 is not 0 in S404-1-3, the payout abnormality command set (S408-1-4) and the payout abnormality set (S408-1-5) are performed. Without any confirmation, it is confirmed whether or not the payout right sensor of the payout device 281 is ON (detected game balls are detected) (S408-1-6). If it is determined in S408-1-1 that the payout left sensor is not ON (game ball not detected), 150 is set in the payout abnormality monitoring timer 1 (S408-1-6), and thereafter It is confirmed whether or not the payout right sensor of the payout device 281 is ON (detects a paid game ball) (S408-1-7).

  When it is determined in S408-1-7 that the payout right sensor is ON (detected game ball is detected), 1 is subtracted from the value of the payout abnormality monitoring timer 2 (S408-1-8), It is confirmed whether or not the value of the payout abnormality monitoring timer 2 is 0 (S408-1-9). When the value of the payout abnormality monitoring timer 2 is 0 (that is, when a game ball is continuously detected at the right payout outlet in the payout device 281 for a predetermined time or more), a payout abnormality command (command for payout abnormality notification) is paid out. It is set (stored) in the RAM (storage means) of the substrate 240 (S408-1-10), and the payout abnormality is set (0 → 1) in the corresponding area of the abnormal data buffer (S408-1-11). This payout abnormality monitoring process (S408-1) ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S408-1-9 that the value of the payout abnormality monitoring timer 2 is not 0, the payout abnormality command set (S408-1-10) and the payout abnormality set (S408-1- The payout abnormality monitoring process (S408-1) ends without performing 11). If it is determined in S408-1-7 that the payout right sensor is not ON (game ball not detected), 150 is set in the payout abnormality monitoring timer 2 (S408-1-12). The payout abnormality monitoring process (S408-1) ends. The payout abnormality monitoring timers 1 and 2 are detection times for determining whether the left and right payout sensors are abnormal, and are determined to be abnormal when detected during the payout abnormality monitoring timers 1 and 2 continuously. Is done. The payout abnormality monitoring timers 1 and 2 are set to a time shorter than the pause time 200.

  In this embodiment, when the payout abnormality monitoring timer 1 is 0, the payout abnormality command set (stored) in S408-1-4, and when the payout abnormality monitoring timer 2 is 0, S408-1-10. The payout abnormality commands that are set (stored) are common and do not distinguish which abnormality monitoring timer has become 0, but may be distinguished.

  In the payout abnormality canceling process (S408-2), as shown in FIG. 29, it is first confirmed whether or not a payout abnormality is occurring (S408-2-1). Whether or not a payout abnormality is occurring is determined based on whether or not a payout abnormality is set in the payout abnormality monitoring process (S408-1). That is, when the payout abnormality is set, it is determined that the payout abnormality is occurring. On the other hand, when the payout abnormality is not set, it is determined that the payout abnormality is not occurring. If it is determined in S408-2-1 that the payout abnormality is not occurring, the payout abnormality canceling process (S408-2) ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S408-2-1 that the payout abnormality is occurring, it is confirmed whether or not the error release switch 273 is turned on (pressed) (S408-2-2), and the error release switch 273 is turned on. In this case, the payout abnormality cancel command is stored in the RAM (storage means) of the payout control board 240 (S408-2-3), and the payout abnormality stored in the abnormal data buffer is reset (1 → 0). (S408-2-4). The resetting of the payout abnormality does not cancel the abnormal state, but temporarily resets the state stored as the payout abnormality. If the abnormality has not been resolved, the payout abnormality monitoring process (S408-1) is also performed. ) Is determined to be abnormal). Thereafter, the payout abnormality canceling process (S408-2) ends. On the other hand, when it is determined in S408-2-2 that the error release switch is OFF, the setting of the payout abnormality cancel command (S408-2-3) and the resetting of the payout abnormality (S408-2-4) are not performed. The payout abnormality canceling process (S408-2) ends. The payout abnormality cancellation command corresponds to abnormality cancellation information. Further, in this embodiment, it is configured to check whether or not the payout abnormality has been released based on whether or not the error release switch is turned on (pressed). For example, a game ball is set at a payout outlet of the payout device 281. A configuration may be adopted in which it is determined that the payout abnormality has been canceled when the time is not detected. Alternatively, a payout abnormality may be set when the total prize ball payout number X is 1 or more and no payout is detected for a predetermined time.

In the full detection process (S408-3), when the lower tray full tray 37 is full of game balls and the lower tray full is abnormal, the lower full tray switch is turned off for a certain time (no full detection). If the lower pan full command is set and the ball no ball abnormal is reset (cancelled), the lower pan full switch is turned ON (full detection) for a certain period of time. If it continues, the lower pan full command and the no ball abnormality are set. The full detection process (S408-3) corresponds to an abnormality determination unit together with the payout abnormality monitoring process (S408-1) and a ball absence monitoring process (S408-4) described later.
More specifically, in the full detection process (S408-3), as shown in FIG. 30, it is first confirmed whether the lower plate is full (S408-3-1). Whether or not the lower plate full is abnormal is determined by whether or not the lower plate full abnormality is set. Therefore, when the lower plate full abnormality is set, it is determined that the lower plate full is abnormal. On the other hand, when the lower plate full abnormality is not set, it is determined that the lower plate full is not abnormal.

  If it is determined in S408-3-1 that the lower plate full is abnormal, it is confirmed whether or not the lower plate full switch is ON (full detection) (S408-3-2), and the lower plate full switch is turned ON (full) In the case of (detection), 2000 is set as the full release time in the lower plate full monitoring timer (S408-3-3), and this full detection process (S408-3) ends. The full release time 2000 is a detection time for determining that the lower plate is full (non-full). If the lower plate full is not detected continuously during the full release time, the lower plate full release (non-full) Full). The full release time is set longer than the lower plate full detection time in order to accurately determine whether or not the normal state is normal.

  If it is determined in S408-3-2 that the lower plate full switch is OFF (no full detection), the value of the lower plate full monitoring timer is decremented by 1 (S408-3-4), and the lower plate full monitoring after subtraction is performed. It is confirmed whether the timer value is 0 (S408-3-5). If the value of the lower plate full monitoring timer is not 0, the full detection process (S408-3) ends.

  On the other hand, when the value of the lower plate full monitoring timer is confirmed to be 0 in S408-3-5, the lower plate non-full command (corresponding to the lower plate full error cancel command) is issued to the RAM ( The lower tray full abnormality stored in the corresponding area of the abnormal data buffer (RAM of the payout control board 240) is reset (1 → 0). (S408-3-7). Next, 160 is set as the lower plate full detection time in the lower plate full monitoring timer (S408-3-8), and then this full detection process (S408-3) is completed. The lower plate full detection time 160 is a detection time for determining that the lower plate full is abnormal. When the lower plate full is detected continuously during the lower plate full detection time 160, it is determined that the lower plate full is abnormal. Is done. The lower plate full detection time 160 is set to be shorter than the pause time 200.

  If it is determined in S408-3-1 that the lower plate full is not abnormal, it is confirmed whether or not the lower plate full switch is ON (full detection) (S408-3-9), and the lower plate full switch is turned OFF. In the case of (no full detection), 160 (lower plate full detection time) is set in the lower plate full monitoring timer (S408-3-10), and this full detection process (S408-3) ends.

  If it is determined in S408-3-9 that the lower plate full switch is ON (full detection), the value of the lower plate full monitoring timer is decremented by 1 (S408-3-11), and the lower plate full monitoring timer after subtraction is performed. Is confirmed to be 0 (S408-3-12). If the value of the lower plate full monitoring timer is not 0, the full detection process (S408-3) ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S408-3-12 that the lower pan full monitoring timer value is 0, the lower pan full command is set (stored) in the RAM (storage means) of the dispensing control board 240 (S408-). 3-13) Further, a lower pan full abnormality is set (0 → 1) in a corresponding area of the abnormal data buffer (RAM of the payout control board 240) (S408-3-14). Next, 2000 is set as the full release time in the lower plate full monitoring timer (S408-3-15), and then this full detection process (S408-3) is completed.

In the no-ball monitoring process (S408-4), when the game ball supplied to the payout device 281 is out of ball, the ball-free detection switch 283 is turned on (ball detection) for a certain period of time. If there is a sphere, the command setting and sphere absence abnormality are reset (cancelled). On the other hand, if the sphere absence abnormality is not occurring, the sphere absence detection switch 283 remains off (non-detection) for a certain period of time. In this case, no ball command and no ball abnormality are set.
More specifically, in the absence of sphere monitoring process (S408-4), as shown in FIG. 31, first, it is confirmed whether the absence of sphere is abnormal (S408-4-1). Whether or not the ball is abnormal is determined based on whether or not the ball abnormal is set. Therefore, when no ball abnormality is set, it is determined that there is no ball abnormality. On the other hand, when no ball abnormality is set, it is determined that there is no ball abnormality.

If it is determined in S408-4-1 that there is no sphere abnormality, it is confirmed whether or not the sphere absence detection switch 283 is ON (sphere detection) (S408-4-2), and the sphere absence detection switch 283 is OFF ( In the case of no sphere detection, 3000 is set as the sphere presence detection time in the sphere presence monitoring timer (S408-4-3), and the sphere absence monitoring process (S408-4) ends. The sphere presence detection time 3000 is a detection time for determining that there is no sphere (there is a sphere), and the presence of a sphere was continuously detected during the sphere presence detection time 3000 (no sphere was not detected). ), It is determined that there is no sphere (with sphere). The detection time with a sphere is set longer than the detection time without a sphere in order to accurately determine whether the detection time is normal.

  If it is determined in S408-4-2 that the no-sphere detection switch 283 is ON (ball detection), the value of the ball monitoring timer is decremented by 1 (S408-4-4), and the ball monitoring timer after the subtraction is performed. Is confirmed to be 0 (S408-4-5). If the value of the sphere presence monitoring timer is not 0, the sphere absence monitoring process (S408-4) ends.

  On the other hand, if the value of the ball presence monitoring timer is determined to be 0 in S408-4-5, a ball presence command (corresponding to a no ball abnormality cancel command) is set in the RAM (storage means) of the payout control board 240. (Stored) (S408-4-6), and further, the no-ball abnormality stored in the corresponding area of the abnormal data buffer (RAM of the payout control board 240) is reset (1 → 0) (S408-4). -7). Next, 100 is set as a sphere absence detection time in the sphere presence monitoring timer (S408-4-8), and then the sphere absence monitoring process (S408-4) ends. The no-sphere detection time 100 is a detection time for determining that there is no sphere, and if no sphere is detected continuously during the no-sphere detection time 100 (in the case of no sphere detection), no sphere abnormality is detected. To be judged. The no-sphere detection time 100 is set to be shorter than the pause time 200.

  If it is determined in S408-4-1 that the ball is not abnormal, it is confirmed whether or not the ball detection switch 283 is ON (ball detection) (S408-4-9), and the ball detection switch 283 is set. In the case of ON (ball detection), 100 is set as the ball absence detection time in the ball presence monitoring timer (S408-4-10), and this ball absence monitoring process (S408-4) ends.

  If it is determined in S408-4-9 that the no-sphere detection switch 283 is OFF (no sphere detected), the value of the sphere monitoring timer is decremented by 1 (S408-4-11), and the sphere monitoring timer after the subtraction is performed. Is confirmed to be 0 (S408-4-12). If the value of the sphere presence monitoring timer is not 0, the sphere absence monitoring process (S408-4) ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S408-4-12 that the value of the sphere presence monitoring timer is 0, the no sphere command is set (stored) in the RAM (storage means) of the payout control board 240 (S408-4). -13). Further, a no-sphere abnormality is set (0 → 1) in a corresponding area of the abnormality data buffer (RAM of the payout control board 240) (S408-4-14), and the existence of a sphere is detected in the sphere presence monitoring timer as 3000. Is set (S408-4-15), and then the fullness detection process (S408-3) ends.

In the command output process (S409), when the value of the command reception timer is not 0 (when the second time has not elapsed), the latest stored in the RAM buffer of the payout control board 240 Are output to the main control board 200.
More specifically, in the command output process (S409), as shown in FIGS. 32 and 33, it is confirmed whether the value of the command reception timer is 0 (second time has elapsed) (S409-1), and the command reception timer When the value is 0, if the main control board 200 is in an operable state, the in-operation command is output when a first time shorter than the second time elapses, and an initial value is set in the command reception timer. However, since there is no operation command output from the main control board 200 (command reception timer has become 0), it is determined that the main control board 200 is in an inoperable state, and payout control is performed. The stored state is maintained without outputting each of the abnormal commands or abnormal release commands stored in the RAM (storage means) of the substrate 240, and this command output processing (S409) To the end.

  If it is determined in S409-1 that the value of the command reception timer is not 0 (second time has not elapsed), it is determined that the main control board 200 is in an operable state, and the payout control is performed. It is confirmed whether the payout abnormality cancel command is stored in the RAM (storage means) of the substrate 240 (S409-2).

  If it is determined in S409-2 that a payout abnormality cancel command is stored, a payout abnormality cancel command is transmitted to the main control board 200, and a payout abnormality cancel command is issued from the RAM of the payout control board 240. The command is erased (S409-3), and the command output process (S409) ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in S409-2 that a payout abnormality cancel command is not stored in the RAM, it is then checked whether a payout abnormality command is stored (S409-4).

  If it is determined in S409-4 that a payout abnormality command is stored, the payout abnormality command is transmitted to the main control board 200, and the payout abnormality command is deleted from the RAM of the payout control board 240 ( In step S409-5, the command output process (S409) ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in S409-4 that a payout abnormality command is not stored in the RAM, it is then checked whether a lower pan non-full command is stored (S409-6).

  If it is determined in S409-6 that a lower pan non-full command has been stored, the lower pan full command set is reset (S409-7), and the lower pan non-full command is further sent to the main control board 200. At the same time, the lower plate non-full command is erased from the RAM of the payout control board 240 (S409-8), and this command output process (S409) ends. By outputting this lower plate non-full command, the abnormality notification based on the lower plate full is stopped. On the other hand, if it is determined in S409-6 that the lower pan non-full command is not stored in the RAM, it is then checked whether the lower pan full command is stored (S409-9).

  If it is determined in S409-9 that the lower pan full command is stored, the lower pan full command is transmitted to the main control board 200, and the lower pan full command is received from the RAM of the dispensing control board 240. The command is erased (S409-10), and the command output process (S409) ends. By outputting the lower plate full command, an abnormality notification based on the lower plate full is performed.

  If it is determined in S409-9 that the lower pan full command is not stored in the RAM, it is confirmed whether a command with a ball is stored (S409-11). When it is determined that a command with a ball is stored, the set of commands without a ball is reset (S409-12), a command with a ball is transmitted to the main control board 200, and the payout control board 240 The command with a sphere is deleted from the RAM (S409-13), and the command output process (S409) ends. By outputting the command with a sphere, the abnormality notification based on the detection of no sphere is stopped.

If it is determined in S409-11 that a command with a ball is not stored in the RAM, it is then checked whether a command without a ball is stored (S409-14). If it is determined that the no-sphere command is stored, the no-sphere command is transmitted to the main control board 200 and the no-sphere command is deleted from the RAM of the payout control board 240 (S409-15). This command output process (S409) ends. By outputting the no-sphere command, an abnormality notification based on the absence of a sphere is performed.
The transmission of each command in the command output process (S409) corresponds to abnormality information output means.

  If it is determined in S409-14 that no ball command is stored in the RAM, it is checked whether a payout start command is stored (S409-16). When it is determined in S409-16 that the payout start command is stored, the payout of the payout device 281 is started and the payout start command is erased from the RAM of the payout control board 240 (S409-17). ), This command output process (S409) is completed. On the other hand, if it is determined in S409-16 that the payout start command is not stored in the RAM, the command output process (S409) ends.

  In the command output process (S409), when a command such as a payout abnormality command set (stored) in the RAM of the payout control board is sent to the main control board 200, the sent command is sent to the payout control board. Since the same command is not output again, the command is sent from the payout control board 240 to the main control board 200 when the main control board 200 is not started up (in an inoperable state). If it is transmitted, the command will be missed, but in this embodiment, when the command reception timer is not 0 (when the second time has not elapsed), that is, the main control board 200 is operable. Since the command is transmitted from the payout control board 240 only when it is confirmed that it is in the state, the main control Can be suppressed failed to receive the command by the plate 200.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the abnormality detection time for determining the abnormality of the gaming machine is set to a time shorter than the payout pause time, and the abnormality detection is terminated within the payout pause time. In this case, it is possible to determine that the game medium is abnormal and to stop paying out the game media. Therefore, if the abnormality detection is not completed within the payout pause time, the next payout is executed despite the abnormal state. It is possible to suppress.

  In addition, the abnormality detection time for determining an abnormality of the gaming machine is set to a time shorter than the payout suspension time, and when it is determined to be abnormal, the abnormality is notified together with the stoppage of the payout. By not completing the abnormality detection, it is possible to prevent the next payout from being executed without being notified of the abnormality in spite of the abnormal state.

In the embodiment, three types of abnormality of the gaming machine (left and right) payout sensor abnormality (payout abnormality), lower pan full abnormality and ballless abnormality are set, but not limited thereto, for example, An abnormality in detection of the presence / absence state of a game medium in a game medium winning opening provided in the game area may be included, or at least one of these abnormalities may be included. It should be noted that the abnormality detection of the presence / absence state of the game medium at the game medium winning port is an abnormality when the game medium is continuously detected for a predetermined time or more by the winning port detection switch (detection sensor) provided at each winning port. It can be configured that it is determined to be abnormal when a determination is made or a winning is detected even though no winning is made.
The dispensing device is not limited to the one in which the ball flow path from the dispensing screw is divided into two left and right strips, and the present invention can also be applied to a dispensing device having one or more strips.
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but may be applied to slots and the like and can be modified without departing from the spirit of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game machine 2 Game board 10 Display apparatus 41 Upper side start winning opening 42 Lower side starting winning opening 64 Launching device

Claims (3)

A payout device that pays out a predetermined number of game media due to establishment of payout conditions;
A payout suspending means for setting a pause time each time the payout device pays out a predetermined number of game media, and stopping execution of the payout operation of the payout device during the pause time;
An abnormality judging means for judging whether or not the gaming machine is abnormal;
Payout stopping means for stopping execution of the payout operation of the payout device due to the fact that the abnormality determining means has determined that there is an abnormality;
In a gaming machine comprising
An abnormality detection means for determining whether or not the gaming machine is abnormal by the abnormality determination means,
The abnormality determination means determines that there is an abnormality when the abnormality detection means continuously detects an abnormal state of the gaming machine for an abnormality detection time set to a time shorter than the pause time during the pause time. If the abnormality detection time elapses before the next payout is made, the abnormality detection is configured to end before the next payout after the pause time has elapsed,
When the abnormality determination means determines that there is an abnormality, and does not detect an abnormal state of the gaming machine continuously for an abnormality release time set longer than the abnormality detection time and the pause time. It is determined that the error has been resolved,
The abnormality determination in which presence / absence of abnormality is determined by the abnormality detection means includes at least a first abnormality determination and a second abnormality determination, and an abnormality detection time and an abnormality cancellation of the first abnormality determination and the second abnormality determination. Time is different,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the abnormality canceling time based on the first abnormality determination and the second abnormality determination is set to be longer than each of the abnormality detection time and the pause time .   2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising abnormality notifying means for performing abnormality notification based on the fact that the abnormality determining means has determined that there is an abnormality. The abnormality detection means detects an abnormality of the payout device, detects a full state of a storage unit that stores game media paid out by the payout device, detects a presence / absence state of a game medium supplied to the payout device, or plays a game The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the presence / absence states of a game medium at a game medium winning opening provided in the region is detected.

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