JP6765731B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a game machine in which the payout device stops the payout operation of the game medium when an abnormality of the game machine is detected.

Conventionally, for example, in pachinko gaming machines, there is a model in which the payout device stops the payout operation of the game medium when an abnormality of the game machine is detected.

JP-A-2002-177562

However, if the operation of the payout device is stopped immediately when an abnormality of the game machine is detected, the operation stop position of the payout device is not stable, and there is a possibility that a payout abnormality such as an erroneous payout may occur thereafter.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and provides a gaming machine capable of quickly stopping the payout operation of the payout device and setting a stable operation stop position when an abnormality of the game machine is detected. With the goal.

The invention of claim 1 is that the payout device that pays out the game medium due to the establishment of the payout condition, the abnormality determination means for determining the presence / absence of abnormality in the game machine, and the abnormality determination means determine that there is an abnormality. In a gaming machine provided with a payout stop means for stopping the execution of the payout operation of the payout device due to the above, when the number of payouts is accumulated in a predetermined number or more, the payout operation of the payout device is executed every time the predetermined number is paid out. The payout stopping means is provided with a pause means for stopping the game for a predetermined pause time, and when the payout device detects an abnormality by the abnormality determination means during the payout operation of a plurality of game media, the payout operation is in progress. After the game medium is paid out, the payout operation is stopped before the next game medium is paid out, and the abnormality determination in which the presence or absence of an abnormality is determined by the abnormality determination means is at least the first abnormality determination and the second abnormality determination. The detection time is different between the first abnormality detection time by the first abnormality determination and the second abnormality detection time by the second abnormality determination, and the first abnormality by the first abnormality determination means. A state in which the first abnormality canceling means for determining that the first abnormality has been canceled by elapse of the first abnormality canceling time in the state of nothing and the second abnormality by the second abnormality determining means are absent. The first abnormality detection time and the first abnormality release time are provided with a second abnormality release means for determining that the second abnormality has been released by elapse of the second abnormality release time. and the second abnormality detection time and the second error recovery time with is constructed at different times, the first error recovery time and the second error recovery time is configured at different times, and the The pause time is characterized in that it is configured to be longer than the first abnormality detection time and the second abnormality detection time .

According to the present invention, when the payout device detects that there is an abnormality by the abnormality determining means during the payout operation of a plurality of game media, the payout is paid out after the game medium in the payout operation is paid out and before the next game medium is paid out. Since the operation is stopped, the payout operation of the payout device can be stopped quickly and a stable operation stop position can be obtained.

It is a front view of the game machine which concerns on one Example of this 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, the device, etc. of the game machine. It is a flowchart of the main processing of a main control board. It is a flowchart of interrupt processing in the same main control board. It is a flowchart of the command reception processing in the interrupt processing. It is the first flowchart of the prize ball control processing in the interrupt processing. It is the 2nd flowchart of the prize ball control processing. It is a flowchart of the payout control board command processing in the interrupt processing. It is a flowchart of a prize detection process in the interrupt process. It is a flowchart of special operation processing in the interrupt processing. It is a flowchart of special symbol standby processing in the interrupt processing. It is a flowchart of the special symbol jackpot determination processing in the interrupt processing. It is a flowchart of the special symbol variation mode selection process in the interrupt process. It is a flowchart of the special symbol selection process in the interrupt process. It is a flowchart of the special symbol random number shift processing in the interrupt processing. It is a flowchart of the processing during change in the interrupt processing. It is a flowchart of the special symbol determination processing in the interrupt processing. It is the first flowchart of the special electric accessory processing in the interrupt processing. It is the 2nd flowchart of the special electric accessory processing in the interrupt processing. It is a flowchart of the holding ball number processing in the interrupt processing. It is a flowchart of power-off monitoring processing in the interrupt processing. It is a flowchart of payout control board processing. It is a flowchart of the command analysis processing in the same payout control board processing. It is a flowchart of the payout device control process in the same payout control board process. It is a flowchart of the payout control board prize ball payout number determination process in the same payout device control process. It is a flowchart of the payout process in the same payout control board process. It is a flowchart of the payout abnormality monitoring process in the same payout process. It is a flowchart of the payout abnormality release process in the same payout process. It is a flowchart of the fullness detection process in the same payout process. It is a flowchart of the ballless monitoring process in the same payout process. It is the first flowchart of the command output processing in the same payout control board processing. It is a 2nd flowchart of the command output processing in the same payout control board processing. It is a figure which shows the storage state of an abnormal data buffer. It is a front view which shows the structure of a payout device. It is the flowchart of the 2nd example of the payout device control process. It is the flowchart of the 3rd example of the payout device control process.

Hereinafter, examples of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The game machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a pachinko game machine that uses a game ball as a game medium. The outer guide rail 3 and the 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 is arranged. A game area 6 defined by the inner guide rail 4 and the inner guide rail 4 is provided on the game board 2. In the game area 6, a guide nail R for guiding the game ball is provided on the surface of the game board 2. Further, on the front side of the game machine 1, a lamp device including a decorative lamp 35 and the like, a game ball supplied to the launching device, a ball receiving upper plate 36 for receiving the paid-out game ball, and a ball receiving upper plate 36. A lower plate 37 for receiving a game ball when the plate 36 is full, a speaker 38 that emits a sound effect, an abnormality notification lamp 39, and a bullet that directs the game ball toward the game area 6 in response to a player's firing operation. A launching device 64 for launching and firing, and a game operation switch 67 that can be operated by the player are provided. The ball receiving lower plate 37 corresponds to a storage unit for storing the game medium paid out by the payout device. The abnormality notification lamp 39 corresponds to the abnormality notification means. In FIG. 1, reference numeral W1 is an outer frame of a game machine, W2 is a front frame attached to the outer frame W1, and G is a glass frame attached to the front frame W2 with a hinge so as to be openable and closable. Hereinafter, the main parts of the game machine 1 will be described.

In the game area 6, a display device 10, an upper starting winning opening 41, a lower starting winning opening 42, a large winning opening 45, and an out opening 48 are arranged in order from the upper part to the lower part on the center line. The left sleeve first winning opening 51 and the left sleeve second winning opening 52 are arranged on the left side of the upper starting winning opening 41 and the lower starting winning opening 42, and the left drop winning opening is placed on the left and right of the large winning opening 45. 53 and a right-handed winning opening 54 are arranged. Further, a gate 55 for starting a normal symbol change is provided on the left side of the display device 10, and a wind turbine 76 is provided below the 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 starting winning opening 41, the lower starting winning opening 42, the large winning opening 45, the left sleeve first winning opening 51, the left sleeve second winning opening 52, the left drop winning opening 53, and the right drop winning opening 54 are game areas. It corresponds to the winning opening of the game medium provided in 6. When a game ball that is launched into the game area 6 and flows down in the game area 6 wins (wins) in each of the above-mentioned winning openings, a predetermined number of prize balls (game balls) are awarded for each winning ball. Will be paid out to. The number of prize balls to be paid out for the winning of the one winning ball is set for each winning opening.

The display device 10 corresponds to a display means for variablely displaying a plurality of identification symbols. In this embodiment, a special symbol is used as the identification symbol. The display device 10 is capable of displaying an image such as a pattern, and includes an image display device such as a liquid crystal display, 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 capable of stop display after displaying a plurality of special symbols in a variable manner for a predetermined time according to a variation mode, and indicates a result of determination of whether or not the result is determined by the stop display of the special symbols. The special symbol can also 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 variablely displayed according to the variation mode and set to the variation mode. After the fluctuation time fluctuation is displayed, the left special symbol, the middle special symbol, and the right special symbol are stopped and displayed as the fixed stop special symbol (fixed stop identification symbol) based on the result of the hit / fail judgment. Further, the display device 10 can display a variable display of the special symbol and an effect composed of a background, a character, characters and the like (including voice and light emission as appropriate). A plurality of the variation modes are provided as described later, and the display device 10 performs the variation display of the special symbol based on the variation mode selected from the plurality of variation modes.

In this embodiment, the left special symbol, the middle special symbol, and the right special symbol that are displayed as variable and stopped are of "0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11", respectively. There are 12 patterns. In this embodiment, when the winning / failing judgment result of the game is a big hit, a special symbol combination of the big hit is made to the display device 10, and in this example, "0,0,0" (so-called "0" doublet) or " Special symbols such as "1,1,1" (so-called "1" doublet) are stopped and displayed with the same combination of numbers. In the case of a big hit, a special game (big hit game) that is more advantageous to the player (easier to acquire a game ball) than in the case of a miss is executed. If the result of determining whether or not the game is correct is incorrect, the special symbols are stopped and displayed on the display device 10 in a combination other than doublet.

The ordinary symbol display device 50 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal, a dot matrix, or an LED display device. The ordinary symbol display device 50 of this embodiment includes an LED display device. The normal symbols that are fluctuated and stopped displayed on the normal symbol display device 50 in this embodiment are composed of two types, "○" and "×". In the case of hitting a normal symbol, the normal symbol of "○" is stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display device 50, and in the case of being off, "x" is displayed.

The upper start winning opening 41 has a shape in which the upper part is open so that a game ball can enter (win) from above.
On the other hand, the lower starting winning opening 42 has two movable pieces 42a and 42b substantially vertical by the solenoid for starting winning opening on the back surface, and is in a closed state (normal state) in which it is difficult to win (win) a game ball and a substantially V shape. The (inverted C-shaped) winning open state is controlled so that it can be changed. The transition to the open state of the lower start winning opening 42 is determined by a hit normal symbol (“◯” in this embodiment) indicating a normal symbol hit after the normal symbol fluctuates in the normal symbol display device 50. It is done when it is done.

Further, on the back surface of the game board 2, an upper start winning opening detection switch (upper starting winning opening sensor) for detecting a game ball winning (winning) in the upper starting winning opening 41 and the lower starting winning opening are provided. A lower start winning opening detection switch (lower starting winning opening sensor) for detecting a game ball that has won a prize (winning ball) in 42 is provided in each winning ball passage. In the present embodiment, the detection of the winning (winning) of the game ball in the upper starting winning opening 41 or the lower starting winning opening 42 is considered to be the cause of the acquisition of the random number value and the cause of the start of the variation display of the special symbol, and further. Is set to satisfy the determination condition, and whether or not it is a big hit is determined by the hit / fail determination means due to the establishment of the determination condition.

A random number value is included by winning a prize in the upper start winning opening 41 or the lower starting winning opening 42 and detecting by the upper starting winning opening detection switch (upper starting winning opening sensor) and the lower starting winning opening detection switch. The game information is acquired, and the variation display of the special symbol is performed. Further, the upper start winning opening detection switch (upper starting winning opening sensor) and the lower starting winning opening detection switch by winning the upper starting winning opening 41 or the lower starting winning opening 42 during the variation display of the special symbol. When detected in, game information including a random number value is acquired, and the acquired game information is stored in the order of winning as the number of reserved balls for special symbol change up to a preset number, and the change display of the special symbol (for entering balls). By temporarily suspending (corresponding to the progress of the resulting game) and sequentially starting the variable display of the special symbol, the number of stored special symbol variation reserved balls is reduced and the memory is erased. The memory of holding the winnings in the upper starting winning opening 41 and the lower starting winning opening 42 does not include the memory currently changing in the display device 10, and is set to a maximum of four.

When the number of game balls detected (the number of special symbol fluctuation reserved balls) by the start winning opening detection switch (upper starting winning opening detection switch, lower starting winning opening detection switch) is stored up to the maximum number, the starting winning is won. Even if the mouth detection switch detects more winning game balls, it is regarded as an invalid ball (overflow winning ball) that is not stored as a hold number, and the invalid ball is stored as a random number value, a hit / fail judgment, and a special symbol change. A predetermined number of prize ball game balls for winning are paid out without any problem.

The normal symbol change start gate 55 displays the normal symbol based on the detection of a game ball passing through the normal symbol change start gate 55 by the normal symbol change start switch provided on the back surface of the game board 2. The device 50 is designed to start the fluctuation of the normal symbol. Further, the fluctuation of the normal symbol generated by the game ball passing through the gate 55 for starting the normal symbol fluctuation during the fluctuation display of the normal symbol is not included in the memory of the current fluctuation in the normal symbol fluctuation device 50. A maximum of 4 normal symbols are stored as the number of reserved normal symbols, and the number of reserved normal symbols is reduced by the start of fluctuation of the normal symbols.

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

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

The upper start winning opening detection switch, the lower starting winning opening detection switch, the left sleeve first winning opening detection switch, the left sleeve second winning opening detection switch, the left drop winning opening detection switch, the right drop winning opening detection switch, the winning ball The number count switch (count sensor) corresponds to a winning detection means for detecting a game ball that has won a prize in the winning device.

The launching device 64 has a launching motor driven by operating the operating lever 65 on the back side, and the launching motor is driven to launch a game ball. The launch ball launched by the launch device 64 is guided to the game area 6 via a launch ball taxiway formed between the inner guide rail 4 and the outer guide rail 3 erected on the surface of the game board 2. Rail. The game ball guided to the game area 6 falls downward while rolling and wins a prize in each device and each winning opening, or if no winning is made anywhere, the game board 2 from the out opening 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 game machine 1. The main control boards include a main control board 200, a sub control board 205, a display control board 210, a voice control board 220, a payout control board 240, a power supply board 250, a launch control board 260, and the like. Reference numeral 265 is an external terminal, 281 is a payout device, 283 is a ballless detection switch, 289 is a ball storage tank, and 291 is a ball guide gutter. 271 is a RAM clear switch, 272 is a power switch, and 273 is an error release switch.

A control circuit is provided on each control board. Further, each control board is arranged on the back side of the game machine 1 in a state where a plurality of control boards are housed individually or collectively in a case. The main control boards and devices are briefly shown with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

The main control board 200 corresponds to a control device that controls a game and outputs a signal to another control device, and includes at least a microcomputer having a CPU, RAM, ROM, and a plurality of counters, and the sub control board 205. It is connected to the payout control board 240 and the like. The CPU executes a control program to perform main control related to the game. The main control board 200 operates by receiving power supply from the power supply board 250.

The CPU in the main control board 200 includes a control unit, a calculation unit, various counters, various registers, various flags, and the like, performs arithmetic control, generates random values, and generates signals such as control signals on the sub control board 205. It is configured so that it can be output (transmitted) to the payout control board 240 or the like.

The RAM is based on the number of special symbol fluctuation reserved balls based on the detection of winning by the upper start winning opening detection switch and the lower starting winning opening detection switch, and the winning is detected by the normal symbol fluctuation start switch. It is equipped with a storage area for the number of normal symbol fluctuation reserved balls, a storage area for various random values generated by the CPU, a storage area and flags for temporarily storing various data such as game data required for the game, and a work area for the CPU. ..

In the ROM, a control program and control data for the CPU, fluctuation modes and symbol data related to the fluctuation display on the display device 10 are written, and determination values of big hits and small hits are written.

The CPU of the main control board 200 also functions as a jackpot hit / fail determination means for determining the win / fail of the game. The signals output from the main control board 200 include an operable 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 ( There is at least a control signal (command) for causing the control device) or the like to perform control. In the control signal, a prize ball payout command (including payout instruction data) based on winning detection to the winning opening (winning device), and a mode for displaying a special symbol on the display device 10 in a variable manner based on a jackpot determination result. At least the symbol variation data, the jackpot determination result data to be displayed on the display device 10, the jackpot determination result data to be displayed on the display device 10, and the ordinary symbol hit determination result data to be displayed on the ordinary symbol display device 50 are at least. included. The prize ball payout command is a control signal for causing 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. Other control signals output from the main control board 200 include data such as when the power is turned on, when an abnormality occurs, and when a jackpot round occurs.

Further, the main control board 200 is connected to various winning opening detection switches (sensors), a solenoid of the lower starting winning opening 42, and a solenoid of the large winning opening 45 via a relay circuit, and various winning openings. Controls the input of winning detection and the opening and closing of the lower starting winning opening 42 and the large winning opening 45.

The sub-control board 205 is connected to the main control board 200 so that a command signal can be received from the main control board 200, and is connected to the display control board 210 so that the display device 10 can be controlled. There is. The sub control board 205 includes an input / output circuit connecting a CPU, ROM, RAM, RTC, and a main control board 200, a display control board 210, a lamp relay board, a voice control board 220, and a game operation switch 67. It is equipped with an input / output circuit that connects to. The sub-control board 205 corresponds to a game control means that controls 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 a command signal output from the main control board 200, and commands the lamp relay board and the display control board 210 based on the received command signal. It is outputting a signal. 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, data and signals for the lamp device, a winning command, a starting winning opening winning command, a variable command, and a jackpot. Commands and the like 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 and data constants, effects and background information according to the variation mode executed by the display device 10, and the RAM stores various data storage areas and work by the CPU. Has an area. The RTC (real-time clock) is operated by a built-in battery even when the power is cut off, and has a function of measuring time. A lamp device such as a decorative lamp 35 or an abnormality notification lamp 39 or the like is connected to the lamp relay board, and a lamp device such as a decorative lamp 35 or an abnormality notification is provided by a command signal transmitted from the sub control board 205 to the lamp relay board. Controls the operation of the lamp 39. The sub-control board 205 operates by receiving power supply from the power supply board 250.

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

The voice control board 220 synthesizes a voice signal from the signal output from the sub control board 205 and outputs the voice signal to the amplifier. The amplifier amplifies the audio signal and outputs it to the speaker 38.

The payout control board 240 has a microcomputer equipped with a CPU, ROM, and RAM. The payout control board 240 is connected to the payout device 281 and receives a control signal output from the main control board 200 to control the payout device 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 a storage means (abnormal data buffer) for storing the presence or absence of an abnormality in the game machine. The RAM (storage means) is updated with the latest abnormality presence / absence information by storing the result of the newly detected presence / absence. 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.

Further, the RAM of the payout control board 240 also corresponds to the payout storage means, and the number of prize balls (game balls) to be paid out by the payout device 281 based on the winning detection to various winning openings (winning devices) is calculated. It is possible to memorize the remaining total number of prize balls to be paid out, which is added for each prize and the number of paid out payouts is subtracted. That is, for each detection of one winning ball in one winning device (for example, the upper starting winning opening 41), the number of payouts set for the one winning ball is added to the total number of winning balls paid out, and the total after addition. The number of prize balls to be paid out is stored, and the total number of prize balls to be paid out after subtraction from the total number of prize balls to be paid out (the number of set payouts) to be paid out by the payout device 281 is stored. In addition, the number of payouts (number of payout settings) can also be stored.

The transmission and reception of signals between the main control board 200 and the payout control board 240 will be described. At least the control signal and the operable signal can be transmitted (output) to the payout control board 240 from the main control board 200, while at least the abnormality information and the abnormality release information are the main control from the payout control board 240. It is possible to transmit (output) to the board 200. Further, the main control board 200 is configured to be able 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. It is configured to be able to receive at least control signals and operable signals.

In this embodiment, when the main control board 200 receives the abnormality information (payout abnormality command, etc.) transmitted from the payout control board 240, the main control board 200 outputs data corresponding to the sub control board 205, and the above-mentioned The sub-control board 205 is configured to control the lighting and blinking of the abnormality notification lamp 39 and the decoration lamp 35 to notify the abnormality. Further, when a payout abnormality related to the payout device 281 (for example, an abnormality in which the game ball is continuously detected for a predetermined time or longer due to clogging of the game ball or the like) occurs, the payout control board 240 is based on the operation of the error release switch 273. When the main control board 200 receives the abnormality release information (payout abnormality release command) transmitted from the main control board 200, the main control board 200 transmits data corresponding to the sub control board 205, and the sub control board 205 transmits the data corresponding to the sub control board 205. It 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 erased (cleared) after being transmitted to the main control board 200. It should be noted that the abnormality notification can be notified by directly connecting to the sub control board 205 without going through the main control board 200, or by connecting a dedicated notification device to the payout control board 240 to control the payout control board 240. Notification control of a dedicated notification device may be performed.

Further, the payout control board 240 is also connected to the lower plate full switch, the error release switch 273, and the ballless detection switch 283.
The lower plate full switch is a sensor that detects whether or not the lower plate full is in an abnormal state in which the game ball is full (full) in the ball receiving lower plate 37, and flows down to the ball receiving lower plate 37. It is provided in the passageway, and the lower plate full detection signal can be input to the payout control board 240. The connection method is not limited to this, and at least one of the abnormal detection switches such as the lower plate full switch, the error release switch 273, and the ballless detection switch 283 is connected to a control board other than the payout control board 240. May be.

When a payout abnormality related to the payout device 281 (for example, an abnormality in which the game ball is continuously detected for a predetermined time or longer due to clogging of the game ball or the like) occurs, the error release switch 273 confirms the abnormality on the game store side and sets the abnormal state. It is a switch to be pressed after it is resolved. When the error release switch 273 is pressed (ON), the error release switch 273 is pressed (ON) signal is output to the payout control board 240. The payout device 281 that has been stopped can be changed to an operable state.

The ballless detection switch 283 is a switch that detects a game ball supplied to the payout device 281, and is turned on when the game ball is detected and turned off when it is not detected. The ballless detection signal by the ballless detection switch 283 is output to the payout control board 240. The state in which the ballless detection switch is ON is a normal state in which the game ball is supplied to the payout device 281, while the state in which the game ball is OFF is an abnormal state in which the game ball is not supplied to the payout device 281. That is, there is no ball. The ballless detection switch 283 and the lower plate full switch correspond to the abnormality detecting means in the present invention.

The payout device 281 that has been stopped due to the abnormal state detection of the ballless detection switch 283 and the lower plate full switch is an error release switch when the ballless detection switch 283 and the lower plate full switch are in the normal state. The payout device can be automatically changed to an operable state without pressing 273.

The payout device 281 controlled by the payout control board 240 is a device that pays out the game ball due to the establishment of the payout condition, and is driven by the payout motor (electrical drive source) 281a as shown in FIG. 35. As a result, the payout screw 281b is configured to rotate. The game ball guided from the ball guide gutter 291 and enters 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, and the payout gutter is played one by one. It is dispensed to the ball receiving upper plate 36 through 281c. The payout gutter 281c is composed of one line, and a payout sensor 281e for detecting game balls guided by the payout screw 281b one by one is provided below the payout screw 281b. The detection signal of the game ball by the payout sensor 281e is output to the payout control board 240. Reference numeral 281f is a ball pulling switching unit, and 281g is a ball pulling gutter.

The payout sensor 281e corresponds to a payout detection means for detecting a game ball each time the payout device pays out a game ball (game medium). In this embodiment, the payout sensor 281e is composed of a photo sensor, and the photo sensor is shielded by the game ball. If it is not possible, the sensor is turned off (game ball not detected), and if the photo sensor is blocked by the game ball, the sensor is turned on (game ball detection).

In the power supply board 250, AC24V is input from the outside, the input AC24V is converted into DC34V, and the converted DC34V is converted into DC12V and DC5V by each regulator and supplied 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 variable mode random number counter, and a normal symbol random number counter. ..

The jackpot random number counter is used for jackpot determination (win / fail determination) by the hit / fail determination means, and is composed of random numbers of '0' to '629'. The random number (big hit random number) of the jackpot random number counter starts from '0' when the power of the game machine is turned on, and is added by 1 for each of the normal symbol / special symbol main random number update processes described later, and when it reaches '629', the next Is set to '0' and the addition is repeated again. The jackpot random number value is acquired due to the winning of the upper starting winning opening 41 or the lower starting winning opening 42, and is set as a jackpot establishment value when the acquired value is in a low probability (2/630 (1/315)) state. If it matches any of '3' and '397', it will be a big hit, while in the high probability (12/630 (6/315)) state (probability change state), it is set as a big hit establishment value. Matches any of '3', '33' 53', '59', '113', '173', '227', '281', '337', '397', '449', '503' If you do, it will be a big hit.

The jackpot symbol random number counter determines the jackpot symbol combination that is fixedly stopped on the display device 10 when the jackpot hit / fail determination result is a jackpot, and is composed of random numbers of "0" to "11". This jackpot symbol random number starts from '0' when the power is turned on, and is added by 1 for each of the normal symbol / special symbol main random number update processing described later, and when it reaches '11', it returns to '0' and the addition is performed again. Is to be repeated. The jackpot symbol random number is acquired due to the winning of the upper starting 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 hit / fail determination result is a jackpot. In this embodiment, when the jackpot symbol random number is '0', the jackpot symbol combination is “0,0,0” (all symbols are the same), and when it is '1', the jackpot symbol combination 1 is "1,1,1" (all symbols are the same), "2" is "2,2,2", and "3" is "3". 3 doublets that are "3,3,3", 4 doublets that are "4,4,4" in the case of '4', and so on, when the jackpot symbol random number is '11' The jackpot symbol combinations are assigned to the jackpot symbol random numbers up to the jackpot symbol combinations "11, 11, 11".

Further, in this embodiment, the jackpot symbol random number is also used to determine the probability change in the case of a jackpot.
In the case of probability variation (probability variation jackpot), the probability of jackpot is set to the high probability state (probability variation state) after the end of the special game (big hit game) until the next jackpot determination is made. In the case of a normal jackpot that is not a probability change, the probability of the jackpot is set to the low probability state (normal state) after the end of the special game (big hit game) until the next jackpot is determined by the hit / fail determination. In this embodiment, when the hit / fail determination result is a jackpot and the jackpot symbol random number is an odd number of any of '1', '3', '5', '7', '9', and '11', That is, the 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, In the case of any odd combination of "9, 9" and "11, 11, 11" (odd number), a high probability state (probability change state) is obtained.
On the other hand, when the hit / fail determination result is a jackpot and the jackpot symbol random number is an even number of any of '0', '2', '4', '6', '8', and '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". , "10, 10, 10" (even-numbered doublet), the low-probability state (normal state) is obtained.

In addition, when the probability change (high probability) state is reached, the probability of a big hit in the hit / fail determination becomes the high probability (probability change) state, and the opening (expansion) time of the lower start winning opening 42 is low probability (normal). The number of times the lower start winning opening 42 is opened (expanded) is increased from 1 second in the low probability (normal) state to 3 times, and the probability of hitting a 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 variation state) corresponds to a privilege game in which a privilege more advantageous to the player than the normal game is given. The privilege may be only one of shortening the opening (expansion) time of the lower starting winning opening 42, increasing the number of times of opening, increasing the probability of hitting a normal symbol, or increasing the probability of hitting a jackpot.

The reach random number counter is for determining whether or not to pass the reach state when the hit / fail judgment result of the jackpot based on the jackpot random number value is out of order, and is a random number of '0' to '126'. Consists of. The reach state in this embodiment is other than the special symbol (for example, the middle special symbol) that is stopped and displayed at the end among the left special symbol, the middle special symbol, and the right special symbol that are displayed in a variable stop on the display device 10. The special symbols (for example, the left special symbol and the right special symbol) are the same (except for the final stop symbol, which is the same as the jackpot special symbol combination, and the final jackpot special symbol combination is different from the case. (A state that includes the case of a special symbol combination of). The random number (reach random number) of the reach random number counter starts from '0' when the power of the game machine 1 is turned on, and is added by 1 for each of the normal symbol / special symbol main random number update processing described later, and the numerical value is '126'. When it reaches, it is set to '0' and the addition is repeated again. The reach random number is acquired due to the winning of the upper starting winning opening 41 or the lower starting winning opening 42, and when the winning / failing judgment result is wrong, the numerical value is compared with the predetermined reach establishment numerical value. The presence or absence of reach is judged. In this embodiment, the reach establishment values are '5', '17', '28', '40', '51', '63', '74', '86', '97', '109',' It is set to 120'.

The special symbol data random number counter is used to determine a special symbol combination that is 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 the special symbol data 1 that determines the left special symbol to be stopped and displayed, a random number counter for the special symbol data 2 that determines the middle special symbol, and a random number counter for the special symbol data 3 that determines the right special symbol. Each special symbol data random number counter is composed of random numbers from '0' to '11'.

The random numbers of the special symbol data 1 start from '0' when the power is turned on, and are added by '1' for each of the normal symbol / special symbol main random number update processes described later, and when it reaches '11', then '0'. It is rewritten as'and the addition is repeated again. Further, the random number of the special symbol data 2 starts from "0" when the power is turned on, and is added by "1" when the random number of the special symbol data 1 is rewritten to "0" to reach "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 added by '1' when the random number of the special symbol data 2 is rewritten to '0' to reach '11'. Then, it is rewritten to '0' and the addition is repeated again. As a result, even if the random numbers range of the special symbol data 1 to 3 are the same, it is possible to prevent the random numbers of the special symbol data 1 to 3 from being synchronized (added in the same combination).

Each random number of the special symbol data 1 to 3 is "0" in the case of "0", "1" in the case of "1", "2" in the case of "2", and so on. The left special symbol, the middle special symbol, and the right special symbol that are stopped and displayed on the display device 10 when the display device 10 is removed are assigned. The random numbers of the special symbol data 1 to 3 are acquired due to the winning of the upper starting winning opening 41 or the lower starting winning opening 42, and the combination of the random numbers of the acquired special symbol data 1 to 3 causes the random numbers to be removed. The left special symbol, the middle special symbol, and the right special symbol displayed on the display device 10 are determined.

The variable mode random number counter is used when selecting the variable mode of the special symbol (identification symbol) in the display device 10 from the variable mode table, and includes variable mode random numbers of '0' to '198'. This variation mode random number value starts from '0' when the power of the game machine 1 is turned on, is added by 1 for each of the normal symbol / special symbol main random number update processing described later, and when the numerical value reaches '198', the next It is set to '0' and the addition is repeated again. The variation mode random number value is acquired due to the winning of the upper starting winning opening 41 or the lower starting winning opening 42.

A plurality of the variable mode tables are provided. In this embodiment, six types of tables are provided, which are a normal hit variation mode table, a normal reach loss variation mode table, a normal loss variation mode table, a probability variation per variation mode table, a probability variation reach loss variation mode table, and a probability variation loss variation mode table. There is. Each variation mode table is composed of a plurality of variation modes of the special symbol 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 probabilistic state or the normal state, and whether the hit / fail judgment result is hit or miss. One variation mode is selected. Normal hit variation mode from the normal hit variation mode, normal reach loss variation mode from the normal reach loss variation mode table, normal loss variation mode from the normal loss variation mode table, probability variation per variation mode from the probability variation per variation mode table, probability variation 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 fluctuation time is set for each variation mode, and the variation / stop of the special symbol displayed on the display device 10 is determined according to the set variation time.

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

The counter for the normal symbol random number determines the hit of the normal symbol, has the normal symbol random numbers from '0' to '299', and starts from '0' when the power of the game machine 1 is turned on. Each special symbol main random number update process is added by '1', and when it reaches '299', it is then rewritten to '0' and the addition is repeated again. The normal symbol random numbers are acquired each time the game ball that has passed through the normal symbol fluctuation start gate 55 is detected by the normal symbol fluctuation start switch, and up to four normal symbol random numbers in the RAM of the main control board 200 are obtained. Stored in storage area. The value of the normal symbol random number acquired due to the passing of the game ball through the normal symbol fluctuation start gate 55 is set as the established value per normal symbol in the low probability state, '5' (1/300). If it matches with (probability of), it will be a normal symbol hit, while if it matches with the probability of '0' to '59' (1/5) set as the established value per normal symbol in the probability variation (high probability) state) It is usually a symbol hit. In the case of hitting a normal symbol, "○" is displayed on the normal symbol display device 50, and the lower start winning opening 42 is opened for the number of times and the opening time corresponding to whether or not it is in the probabilistic state, while being acquired. If the normal symbol random value does not match the established value per normal symbol, the normal symbol is out of order and "x" is displayed on the normal symbol display device 50, and the lower start winning opening 42 is in a difficult state of winning. Leave it alone.

The game of the game machine 1 will be briefly described. In the game machine 1, when the game ball launched by the launching device 64 toward the game area 6 wins the various winning devices (winning openings) and the winning is detected, each winning device The number of game balls to be paid out, which is set for the detection of one winning ball, is paid out as a prize ball to the ball receiving upper plate 36 by the payout device 281. The game ball paid out to the ball receiving upper plate 36 is 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 fluctuation start gate 55, a normal symbol random number is acquired, and a determination for hitting the normal symbol is performed based on the acquired random number value, and the normal symbol display device 50 determines the normal symbol. Starts fluctuating and stops after fluctuating for a predetermined time. At that time, if the judgment result of hitting the normal symbol is a hit, the hit normal symbol, in this example, stops at "○", and the two movable pieces 42a and 42b of the lower start winning opening 42 are the starting prizes on the back side. The solenoid for the mouth changes from a closed state (normal state), which is substantially vertical and difficult to win, to an open state, which is approximately V-shaped (inverted C-shaped) and allows winning. In the case of the probability change state, when the normal symbol hits, the lower start winning opening 42 is opened three times for 2 seconds, while in the low probability state, when the normal symbol hits, the opening is 1 second. Is performed once. When a game ball wins a prize in the lower start winning opening 42, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out as prize balls.

Further, when the game ball wins in the upper starting winning opening 41 or the lower starting winning opening 42, random values (game information) such as a jackpot random number value, a jackpot symbol random value, a reach random number value, and a variation mode random value are acquired. , The jackpot hit / fail judgment is performed based on the acquired jackpot random number value, and one variation mode is selected from the variation mode table based on the hit / fail determination result and the variation mode random value. Then, based on the selected variation mode, the display device 10 starts the variation display of the special symbol.

In addition, when a game ball wins (wins) in the upper start winning opening 41 or the lower starting winning opening 42 during the variation display of the special symbol, the jackpot random value, the jackpot symbol random value, the reach random value, and the variation mode are disturbed. If a random number value (game information) such as a numerical value is acquired and the number of special symbol fluctuation reserved balls is less than 4, the number of special symbol fluctuation reserved balls is added by 1, and the acquired jackpot random value, jackpot symbol random value, and reach are obtained. Random values (game information) such as random values and variation mode random values are stored in the RAM of the main control board 200 until the maximum is 4 (up to hold 4). Further, a preliminary determination is made when a game ball is won in the upper starting winning opening 41 or the lower starting winning opening 42, and the game information is held and stored together with the game information.

After the variation display of the special symbol is performed by the display device 10 during the variation time set in the variation mode, the stop display of the special symbol 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 (doublet in this embodiment), the game shifts to the jackpot game (special game).

In the big hit game (special game) state, the opening / closing plate 46 of the big winning opening 45 opens to make it easier to catch the game ball falling on the surface of the game area 6 so that the big winning opening 45 can win a prize. .. When a prize is detected in the large prize opening 45, the number of prize balls set for the detection of one prize 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). Further, the large winning opening 45 repeats opening the opening / closing plate 46 for a predetermined number of rounds (for example, 15 rounds).

Further, in the present embodiment, the display device 10 is specially provided with a normal jackpot symbol combination consisting of even-numbered doublets such as "0,0,0", "2,2,2", "4,4,4". When the symbol is stopped and displayed, it becomes a normal big hit, and after the big hit game (special game) ends, the probability of the big hit is low ((2/630 (1/315)) in this embodiment until the next big hit. On the other hand, the display device 10 is provided with a special symbol by a probability variation jackpot symbol combination consisting of odd-numbered doublets such as "1,1,1", "3,3,3", and "5,5,5". When it is stopped and displayed, it becomes a probabilistic jackpot, and after the jackpot game (special game) ends, the probability of the jackpot is set to a high probability ((12/630 (6/315)) in this embodiment until the next jackpot. Furthermore, the opening (expansion) time of the lower starting winning opening 42 in the case of hitting a normal symbol is increased from 1 second to 2 seconds in the low probability (normal) state, and the lower starting winning opening 42 The number of times of opening (expansion) increases from 1 to 3 in the low probability (normal) state, and the probability per normal symbol increases from 1/300 to 1/5 in the low probability (normal) state.
After the jackpot game is completed, if the number of special symbol change hold balls is 1 or more, the change display of the special symbol is started for the next hold.

On the other hand, if the left special symbol, the middle special symbol, and the right special symbol that are stopped and displayed are out of combination (other than doublet in this embodiment), the game does not shift to the jackpot game (special game) and is special. If the number of balls on hold for changing symbols is 1 or more, the variable display of special symbols is started for the next hold.

Further, in the present embodiment, the determination of the presence or absence of the abnormality is configured to determine the abnormality when the abnormality is continuously detected for the set time, and the payout of the game ball by the payout device 281 is described. Every time a predetermined number (example: 1) is detected by the payout sensor 281e, the presence or absence of an abnormality is confirmed, and if there is an abnormality, the payout operation of the payout device 281 is stopped before the next game ball is paid out ( Even if there is a payout ball, do not perform the payout operation). However, the determination that there is an abnormality in this embodiment is determined when the set time continues, and the payout by the payout device 281 is a predetermined number (example: 1 piece) after the abnormality is detected if there is a payout ball. ) It is configured to stop after it is paid out and judged to be abnormal. The abnormality includes a payout abnormality of the payout device 281 and an abnormality of a game machine different from the payout abnormality of the payout device 281. The payout abnormality is an abnormality related to the operation of the payout device 281, and examples thereof include an abnormality such as a game ball being clogged at a portion of the payout screw 281b. Further, as an abnormality of the game machine different from the payout abnormality, in this embodiment, there are an abnormality of the lower plate full (full tank) state and an abnormality of the ball-less state.

When the payout abnormality occurs (determined to be abnormal), the payout operation by the payout device 281 is stopped, and the decorative lamp 38 blinks in a predetermined pattern to notify the abnormality of the payout device 281. In the case of a sensor abnormality, the amusement shop side presses the error release switch 273 after the abnormality such as sensor replacement is resolved to stop the notification of the abnormality and change the payout device to an operable state. Therefore, after the predetermined number (example: 1 piece) is paid out, the payout operation of the payout device can be stopped before the next predetermined number (example: 1 piece) is paid out, so that the payout operation of the payout device can be stopped quickly. Can be stopped and a stable operation stop position can be obtained.

In addition, when an abnormality of the game machine different from the payout abnormality occurs (determined as an abnormality), 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 lights up to notify that the lower plate is full or that there is no ball. Therefore, after the predetermined number (example: 1 piece) is paid out, the payout operation of the payout device can be stopped before the next predetermined number (example: 1 piece) is paid out, so that the payout operation of the payout device can be stopped quickly. Can be stopped and a stable operation stop position can be obtained. In the case of a lower plate full abnormality, the abnormality is resolved by the player or the like reducing the number of game balls in the ball receiving lower plate 37, and the abnormality notification is automatically stopped. Further, in the case of a ballless abnormality, the abnormality is resolved by supplying the game ball to the game machine 1, and the abnormality notification is automatically stopped.

When no abnormality occurs (it is not judged to be abnormal), if the number of payouts is more than a predetermined number, a predetermined number (25 in this embodiment) is paid out for each pause (25). For example, 200 ms) is provided to provide a pause means for stopping the execution of the payout operation of the payout device 281 during the pause time.

The control process in the game machine 1 will be described below. Examples of the main flag provided in the control circuit of the main control board 200 include a jackpot flag, a jackpot end flag, a probability variation flag, and the like in this embodiment. All of these flags are turned off (= 0) at the time of initial setting.

In the main process M of the main control board, as shown in FIG. 4, the initial setting process (S10), the interrupt prohibition process (S20), the normal symbol / special symbol main random number update process (S30), and the interrupt enable process (S40) are performed. Will be done. Further, after the interrupt enable process (S40), a loop process returning to the interrupt disable 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 repeated every interrupt time (4 ms), but the initial setting process (S10) is a process required only at the time of power-on and reset, and is executed only in the first round. It will not be executed after that, but since it is well known, details will be omitted. In the interrupt prohibition process (S20), even if the interrupt process (S100) is input every 4 msec, the interrupt is prohibited until the interrupt is enabled. In the normal symbol / special symbol main random number update process (S30), various random numbers are added by 1 for each normal symbol / special symbol main random number update process (S30), and when the set upper limit value of each random number is reached as described above, the next It returns 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 comes in every 4 msec is permitted.

In the interrupt process (S100), as shown in FIG. 5, the output process (S110) is first performed. In the output process (S110), the command (control signal) stored in the output buffer of the main control board 200 is output to the corresponding control board (control device) or the like by each process. In the subsequent input processing (S120), signal input is performed when various sensors (detection switches and the like of each winning device) provided in the game machine 1 detect. The command reception process (S130) is performed after the input process (S120).

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

The abnormality command received by the main control board 200 includes a payout abnormality command (payout abnormality information signal) transmitted from the payout control board 240 when an abnormality is detected by the detection state of the sensor of the payout device 281. When it is detected that the game ball of the ball receiving lower plate 37 is full, the lower plate full command (signal of lower plate full abnormality information) transmitted from the payout control board 240 is supplied to the payout device 281. An example is a ballless command (signal of ballless abnormality information) transmitted from the payout control board 240 when the game ball runs out. On the other hand, as the abnormality release command, there are a payout abnormality release command (payout abnormality release information signal), a lower plate non-full command (lower plate full abnormality release information signal), and a command with a ball (a signal of no ball abnormality release information). Can be mentioned. Further, in the present embodiment, the corresponding devices in S130-3 are the payout device 281 and the decorative lamp 35 for the payout abnormality command and the payout abnormality release command, and the lower plate full command, the lower plate non-full command, and the ball. The abnormality notification lamp 39 is used for the command without the command and the command with the ball.

The operation timer subtraction process (S140) is performed after the command reception process (S130). In the operation timer subtraction process (S140), subtraction processing is performed on various timers provided on the main control board 200, such as a command transmission timer during operation, which will be described later. The prize ball control process (S150) is performed after the operation timer subtraction process (S140).

In the prize ball control process (S150), as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, it is determined which winning device (winning opening) has won the prize (S150-1 to 7), and the prize ball (game ball) is paid out for the winning. Processing such as a set of commands (S150-9 to 15, S151) and processing such as a set of commands in operation (S150-8, S150-16, S151) are performed. More specifically, it is first determined whether or not a prize has been detected in the large prize opening 45 (S150-1), and if a prize is detected, a command to pay out 13 prize balls is sent to the output buffer of the RAM of the main control board 200. It is set (S150-9), and at the same time, the payout control board command processing (S151) described later is performed. On the other hand, when the winning of the large winning opening 45 is not detected, it is determined whether the winning of the upper starting winning opening 41 is detected (S150-2), and when the winning is detected, the winning ball. The three payout commands are stored in the output buffer of the main control board 200 (S150-10), and the payout control board command processing (S151) described later is performed together with the three payout commands. If the winning of the upper starting winning opening 41 is not detected, it is determined whether the winning of the lower starting winning opening 42 is detected (S150-3), and if the winning is detected, the winning ball. The four payout commands are stored in the output buffer of the main control board 200 (S150-11), and the payout control board command processing (S151) described later is performed together with the four payout commands.

On the other hand, when the winning of the lower starting winning opening 42 is not detected, it is determined whether the winning of the left sleeve first winning opening 51 is detected (S150-4), and the winning is detected. The command to pay out 10 prize balls is stored in the output buffer of the main control board 200 (S150-12), and the payout control board command processing (S151) described later is performed together with the command. When the winning of the left sleeve first winning opening 51 is not detected, it is determined whether the winning of the left sleeve second winning opening 52 is detected (S150-5), and when the winning is detected. The command for paying out 10 prize balls is stored in the output buffer of the main control board 200 (S150-13), and the payout control board command processing (S151) described later is performed together with the command.

On the other hand, when the winning of the left sleeve second winning opening 52 is not detected, it is determined whether the winning of the left drop winning opening 53 is detected (S150-6), and when the winning is detected. The command for paying out 10 prize balls is stored in the output buffer of the main control board 200 (S150-14), and the payout control board command processing (S151) described later is performed together with the command. If the winning of the left-drop winning opening 53 is not detected, it is determined whether the winning of the right-drop winning opening 54 is detected (S150-7), and if the winning is detected, the winning ball 10 The individual payout command is stored in the output buffer of the main control board 200 (S150-15), and at the same time, the payout control board command process (S151) described later is performed.

On the other hand, when the winning to the right-drop winning opening 54 is not detected, it is confirmed whether the value of the operating command transmission timer is 0 (S150-8), and when 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), the payout control board command process (S151) described later is performed, and then the prize ball control process (S150) ends. .. 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. The value of the command transmission timer during operation is set to 0 at the time of power-on and reset, and a predetermined value is set by the payout control board command processing (S151) described later, and the operation command is issued in S150-16. It is stored in the output buffer of the main control board 200.

In the payout control board command process (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, for example) is set in the operating command transmission timer. 1000 ms) is set (S151-2), and this payout control board command process (S151) ends. The command output to the payout control board 240 in S151-1 is a prize ball payout command stored in the output buffer when the prize ball payout command is stored, while the output buffer is stored. If the running command is memorized, it is the memorized running command. 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 is in an operable state. As soon as (game controllable state) is reached, 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 operating command is an operable signal for causing the payout control board 240 to recognize that the main control board 200 is in an operable state. Further, the value (time) set in the command transmission timer during operation corresponds to the first time.

In this embodiment, bidirectional communication is possible between the main control board 200 and the payout control board 240, but the payout control board 240 is connected to the main control board 200 for a certain period of time (during the operation) as described later. When no signal is received from the main control board 200 for a time longer than the 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 Is in an operable state (whether it is up or not), so it is determined that the main control board 200 is in an inoperable state, and the signal is not output to the main control board 200. .. Therefore, the main control board 200 periodically transmits an operating command (operable signal) to the payout control board 240 at regular time intervals (the first time set in the operating command transmission timer). The payout control board 240 is notified that the main control board 200 is in an operable state.

Following the prize ball control process (S150), the 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. The winning detection process (S170) is performed after the normal symbol / special symbol main random number update process (S130).

In the winning detection process (S170), as shown in FIG. 10, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the upper starting winning opening 41 or the upper starting winning opening 42 and a winning has been detected (S170-1), and the winning is won. If it is not detected, the winning detection process (S170) ends. On the other hand, when a game ball enters the upper starting winning opening 41 or the upper starting winning opening 42 and a winning is detected, it is confirmed whether the number of special symbol variation reserved balls is 4 or more (S170-2). When the number of special symbol change hold balls is 4 or more, this winning detection process (S170) ends, while when the number of special symbol change hold balls is less than 4, 1 is added to the number of special symbol change hold balls (1 is added to the number of special symbol change hold balls). S170-3), the special symbol-related random numbers are acquired and stored in the corresponding area of the RAM (S170-4), and the winning detection process (S170) ends. The special symbol-related random numbers acquired here are the jackpot random number value, the jackpot symbol random number value, the reach random number value, the special symbol data random number value, the 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 the game ball passes through the normal symbol change start gate 55 and the number of normal symbol change hold balls is less than 4, the acquisition of the normal symbol random number, the stop display of the normal symbol, and the lower Processing related to ordinary symbols such as opening / closing processing of the side start winning opening is performed. The special operation process (S190) is performed after the normal operation process (S180).

In the special operation process (S190), as shown in FIG. 11, it is determined whether the special operation status is 1 to 4 (S190-1 to 190-3). When the special operation status is 1, the special symbol standby process (S190-4) is performed, whereas when the special operation status is 2, the changing process (S190-5 is performed and the special operation is performed). When the status is 3, the special symbol determination process (S190-6) is performed, and when the special operation status is 4, the special electric accessory process (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 change hold balls is 0 (S190-4-1), and the number of special symbol change hold balls is 0. In that case, it is determined whether or not the display device 10 is in the standby screen (standby screen) in which the special symbol is not changing (S190-4-7), and if it is in the standby screen (standby screen), this special symbol standby is in progress. When the process (S190-4) is completed and the display device 10 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). After that, this special symbol standby process (S190-4) ends.

On the other hand, when it is determined in S190-4-1 that the number of balls on hold for special symbol fluctuation is not 0, a special symbol jackpot determination process (S190-4-2) is performed. The special symbol jackpot determination process (S190-4-2) corresponds to the winning / failing determination of the game. In the special symbol jackpot determination process (S190-4-2), as shown in FIG. 13, first, the jackpot random value stored in the RAM of the main control board 200 is loaded as a determination value (S190-4). Together with -2-1), the address of the RAM in which the jackpot determination value table that defines the jackpot establishment values at the high probability time and the low probability time is stored is set (S190-4-2-2). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the probability is currently changing (in a 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). In the case of the probability change, it is determined whether or not the jackpot is a jackpot based on whether or not the jackpot establishment value in the high probability state and the loaded jackpot random number value match (S190-4-2-4), while the probability variation It is not inside, that is, in the low probability state, it is judged whether or not it is a big hit depending on whether or not the jackpot establishment value in the low probability state and the loaded jackpot random number value match (S190-4-2-5). Then, it is determined that the jackpot is a jackpot, and the jackpot flag provided on the main control board 200 is set to ON (S190-4-2-6). After that, this special symbol jackpot determination process (S190-4-2) is completed. If it is determined in S190-4-2-4 or S190-4-2-5 that the jackpot is not a jackpot, this special symbol jackpot determination process (S190-4-2) is performed without turning on the jackpot flag. Is finished.

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 the 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 change flag whether the game state is normal or during probability change (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 (big hit) (S190-4-3-2), and when the jackpot flag is ON (big hit), the variation mode table. The variation mode is selected based on the variation mode random value from the normal hit table (variation modes 1 and 2 in this embodiment) (S190-4-3-3). On the other hand, when the jackpot flag is OFF (off), the reach random 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 is obtained. It is confirmed whether or not it matches (S190-4-3-4), and if it matches, there is a reach, and the variation mode random value is changed from the normal reach loss table (variation modes 3 to 6 in this embodiment) in the variation mode table. The variation mode is selected based on this (S190-4-3-5). If the reach random value does not match the reach establishment value, there is no reach, and the variation mode is selected based on the variation mode random value from the normal loss table (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 change flag is ON), it is determined whether or not the jackpot flag is ON (big hit) (S190-4-3-7), and when the jackpot flag is ON (big hit), the fluctuation The variation mode is selected based on the variation mode random value from the probability variation hit table (variation modes 10 to 12 in this embodiment) in the aspect table (S190-4-3-8). On the other hand, when the jackpot flag is OFF (off), it is confirmed whether or not the reach random value matches the reach establishment value (S190-4-3-9), and if they match, there is reach. The variation mode is selected based on the variation mode random value from the probability variation reach loss table (variation modes 13 to 16 in this embodiment) in the variation mode table (S190-4-3-10). If the reach random value does not match the reach establishment value, there is no reach, and the variation mode is selected based on the variation mode random value from the probability variation loss table (variation modes 17 to 19 in this embodiment) in the variation mode table. (S190-4-3-11).

After the variation mode is selected, another process (S190-4-3-12) is performed, and then the special symbol variation mode selection process (160-4-3) ends. The special symbol selection process (S190-4-4) is performed after the special symbol variation mode selection process (S190-4-3).

In the special symbol selection process (S190-4-4), the special symbol to be stopped and displayed by 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 the jackpot flag is ON (S190-4-4-1), and when the jackpot flag is ON, that is, when the jackpot is a jackpot. The special symbol based on the jackpot symbol random number is set as the stop special symbol (S190-4-4-2). On the other hand, when the jackpot flag is not ON, that is, when it is off, it is determined whether the random values of the special symbol data 1, the special symbol data 2, and the special symbol data 3 all match (S190-4--4-3). ), If they match, it is determined whether the reach random value matches the reach establishment value (S190-4-4-4). If the reach random number value matches the reach establishment value, there is reach, and the special symbol assigned to the random value of the special symbol data 1 is stopped. 1 is added to the random value of the left special symbol and the special symbol data 2. The special symbol assigned to the random value is set to the stopped special symbol, and the special symbol assigned to the random value of the special symbol data 3 is set to the stop right special symbol (S190-4-4-5). On the other hand, if the reach random value does not match the reach establishment value, there is no reach, and the special symbol assigned to the random value of the special symbol data 1 is stopped and becomes the random value of the left special symbol and the special symbol data 2. The assigned special symbol is stopped. The special symbol assigned to the random value obtained by adding 1 to the random value of the special symbol and the special symbol data 3 is set to the stop right special symbol (S190-4-4-6). ..

When 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). When the random values of the special symbol data 1 and 3 match, it is determined whether the reach random value matches the reach establishment value (S190-4-4-8). If the reach random number value matches the reach establishment value, there is reach, and the special symbol assigned to the random value of the special symbol data 1 is assigned to the random value of the left special symbol and the special symbol data 2. The special symbol is stopped, and the special symbol assigned to the random value of the special symbol data 3 is set to the stop right special symbol (S190-4-4-9). On the other hand, if the reach random value does not match the reach establishment value, there is no reach, and the special symbol assigned to the random value of the special symbol data 1 is stopped and becomes the random value of the left special symbol and the special symbol data 2. The assigned special symbol is stopped. The special symbol assigned to the special symbol 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 to the stop right special symbol (S190-4-4-6). ..

If 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 value is established. It is determined whether it matches the numerical value (S190-4-4-10). If the reach random number value matches the reach establishment value, there is reach, and the special symbol assigned to the random value of the special symbol data 3 is set to the stop left special symbol and the stop right special symbol. The special symbol assigned to the random value obtained by adding 1 to the random value of the special symbol data 3 is set to the stopped special symbol (S190-4-4-11). On the other hand, if the reach random value does not match the reach establishment value, there is no reach, and the special symbol assigned to the random value of the special symbol data 1 is stopped and becomes the random value of the left special symbol and the special symbol data 2. The assigned special symbol is stopped. The special symbol and the special symbol assigned to the random value of the special symbol data 3 are set to the stop 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 number of balls for which the number of special symbol fluctuations is reserved in the RAM, the special symbol fluctuation hold stored in the storage area of the address having the highest load (read) order is stored. Due to the fact that the ball number data is loaded by the previous process and becomes vacant, the load order is set to one for the special symbol fluctuation reserved ball number data stored in the addresses after the second place. The address to be moved up is shifted one by one. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, first, 1 is subtracted from the number of reserved balls for special symbol variation stored in the RAM of the main control board 200 (for example, the number of reserved balls 2 is set to 1 and 3). Is set to 2 etc.) (S190-4-5-1), and then the data corresponding to each reserved ball number is shifted to the RAM address of the reserved ball number obtained by subtracting 1 from each reserved ball number (S190). -4-5-2), and then 0 is set to the RAM address corresponding to the number of special symbol fluctuation reserved balls at the highest level (the last load order, the fourth in this embodiment) (S190-4-5). -3). Following 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 processes necessary for starting the variation of the special symbol are performed. After the special symbol variation start process (S190-4-6), the special symbol standby process (S190-4) ends.

In the variable processing (S190-5) performed when the special operation status is 2, it is first determined whether or not the variable time of the special symbol, that is, the variable time of the selected variable mode has ended, as shown in FIG. (S190-5-1), and if the fluctuation time has not ended, this fluctuation processing (S190-5) ends. On the other hand, if the fluctuation time has ended, the 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). After -4) is performed, this variable processing (S190-5) ends.

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

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

On the other hand, if it is determined in S190-7-3 that the large winning opening 15 is open, 10 game balls are won in the large winning opening 15 (S190-7-6), or the round end time (in this embodiment). It is judged whether or not it is one of the 30 seconds) elapsed (S190-7-7), and if neither is the case, this special electric accessory processing (S190-7) is completed as it is, and a big winning opening is made for it. If 10 game balls are won in 15 or the end time of the round has elapsed, the large winning opening closing process (S190-7-8) and the process of subtracting 1 from the round counter value (S190-7-). 9) is performed. In the large winning opening closing process (S190-7-8), a command for closing the large winning opening is set in the output buffer. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the round counter is 0 (S190-7-10), and if the round counter is not 0, this special electric accessory processing (S190-7) ends as it is, and the round is rounded. When the counter is 0, the jackpot end process (S190-7-11) is performed, then the jackpot end flag is turned ON (S190-7-12), and this special electric accessory process (S190-7) is performed. Is finished.

On the other hand, when the jackpot end flag is turned on in S190-7-2, that is, when it is determined that the jackpot is finished, the process of setting the jackpot end flag to OFF (S190-7-13) and the process of turning off the jackpot flag (S190-7-13). 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 getting doublet, it is judged to be normal (low probability). Then, in the case of probability variation (high probability), the probability variation flag is turned ON (S190-7-16), while in the case of normal (low probability) different from probability variation, the probability variation flag is turned OFF (S190). -7-17), after that, the special operation status is set to 1 (S190-7-18), and this special electric accessory processing (S190-7) ends.

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

After the reserved ball number processing (S200), a power failure monitoring process (S210) is performed. In the power-off monitoring process (S210), as shown in FIG. 22, it is determined whether or not a power-off signal has been input (S210-1), and if no power-off signal has been input, this power-off monitoring process (S210). Is finished. 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 failure monitoring process (S180) is completed. The data (game state) stored in the RAM of the main control board 200 is roughly divided into data during display standby, symbol change, symbol confirmation display, and jackpot game, and each of them is in a probabilistic state. There are data of (high probability state) and normal state (low probability state).

After the power failure monitoring process (S210), another process (S220) is performed. In the other process (S220), other processes necessary for game control are 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 processing (S400), as shown in FIG. 23, first, the RAM of the payout control board 240 is initialized (S401), and then the initial settings of various devices on the payout control board 240 (S400). S402) is performed. After the initial setting (S402) of the device is performed, loop processing is performed, and during this loop processing, sensor and switch input processing (S403), port output processing (S404), command analysis processing (S405), and payout device control Processing (S406), timer update processing (S407), payout processing (S408), and command output processing (S409) are performed.

In the sensor and switch input process (S403), each switch (sensor) such as the payout sensor 281e of the payout device 281, the ballless detection switch 283, and the lower plate full switch is input.
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 (command in operation, etc.) 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, if 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 and is longer than the first time) is set in the command reception timer (S405-2). .. The time of the command reception timer is subtracted by the timer update process described later.

Next, it is determined whether the received command is the prize ball payout command set in the prize ball control process (S150) on the main control board 200 (S405-3), and if it is not the prize ball payout command, other command processing (S405). After -6) is performed, this 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 will be omitted.

On the other hand, when the received command is a prize ball payout command, it is determined whether or not the storage upper limit (for example, 65535 counts) is exceeded when the number of prize ball payouts is stored (S405-4), and if it exceeds, this command analysis process (S405). ) Ends, and if the upper limit of memory 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) is performed. ) Is finished.

In the payout device control process (S406), as shown in FIG. 25, first, it is determined whether the payout motor of the payout device 281 is operating (driving) (S406-1). If it is in operation, it is confirmed whether or not the paid-out prize ball (game ball) is detected by the payout sensor (payout detecting means) (S406-2). When the payout sensor detects the payout prize balls, the payout number is subtracted from the payout number Y (the payout number set in S406-14 or S406-15) (S406-3). , It is confirmed whether an abnormality is occurring (whether it is judged to be abnormal) (S406-4). The term "abnormality is occurring" means that the payout device 281 has caused a payout abnormality for a predetermined time, or the ball receiving lower plate 37 has a lower plate full abnormality that is full of game balls for a predetermined time. Or, when a ballless abnormality in which no ball is detected by the ballless detection switch 283 has occurred for a predetermined time, a payout abnormality, a lower plate full abnormality, and a ballless abnormality are set (RAM of the payout control board 240). It is a case where it is memorized in. The process of S406-4 corresponds to the abnormality determination confirmation means for confirming the determination result of the abnormality determination means.

When it is determined in S406-4 that an abnormality is not occurring (in a state where it is not determined to be abnormal), it is confirmed whether the remaining number of payouts Y after subtraction is 1 or more (S406-5). When the number of payouts Y is 1 or more, the payout motor of the payout device 281 is continuously driven (S406-6), and the payout device control process (S406) is terminated. On the other hand, when the number of payouts Y is less than 1, the drive of the payout motor of the payout device 281 is stopped (S406-7), the payout device pause time (for example, 200 ms) is set (S406-8), and the payout device is controlled. The process (S406) is terminated. The payout device pause time is a time for stopping the drive of the payout motor of the payout device 281 until the next payout is started when the total prize ball payout number X is 1 or more. The pause time of the payout device 281 is also set at the time of initial setting at the time of turning on the power or resetting.

Further, when it is determined in S406-4 that an abnormality is occurring (in a state determined to be abnormal), the drive of the payout motor of the payout device 281 is stopped (S406-7), and the payout device pause time (for example, 200 ms). Is set (S406-8), and the payout device control process (S406) is terminated. The process of stopping the payout of the payout device 281 in the S406-7 when it is determined in the S406-4 that an abnormality is occurring corresponds to the payout stop means in the present invention. Then, since the payout operation of the payout device can be stopped while the next predetermined number (example: 1 piece) is paid out after the predetermined number (example: 1 piece) is paid out, the payout operation of the payout device can be stopped quickly. Can be stopped and a stable operation stop position can be obtained. When it is determined in S406-5 that the number of payouts Y is less than 1, the process of stopping the payout of the payout device 281 in S406-7 corresponds to the payout suspension means.

When the payout sensor does not detect the prize ball in S406-2, it is confirmed whether the remaining payout number Y is 1 or more (S406-5), and when the remaining payout number Y is 1 or more, the above The driving of the payout motor of the payout device 281 is continued (S406-6), and the payout device control process (S406) is terminated. On the other hand, if the remaining number of payouts Y in S406-5 is less than 1 (that is, 0), the drive of the payout motor of the payout device 281 is stopped (S406-7), and the payout device pause time (for example, 200 ms) is set. Then (S406-8), the payout device control process (S406) is terminated.

When it is determined in S406-1 that the payout motor of the payout device 281 is not in operation (driving), that is, is stopped, it is next determined whether the pause time of the payout device 281 has elapsed (S406-). 9). When it is determined in S406-9 that the pause time of the payout device has not elapsed, the payout device control process (S406) ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the pause time has elapsed, it is determined whether or not an abnormality has occurred (S406-10), and if an abnormality has occurred, this payout device control process (S406) ends. Therefore, when it is determined in S406-10 that an abnormality is occurring, the execution of the payout operation by the payout device 281 continues to be stopped, and the next payout is postponed until the abnormality is resolved.

On the other hand, when it is determined in S406-10 that an abnormality is not occurring, it is confirmed whether the payout quantity Y is 1 or more (S406-11). When the number of payouts Y is 1 or more, the payout start command is set in the RAM (storage means) of the payout control board (S406-16), and the payout device control process (S406) ends.

On the other hand, when it is determined in S406-11 that the number of payouts Y is less than 1, it is confirmed whether or not there is a ball lending payout request (S406-12). The ball lending / paying request is configured so that the ball lending / paying request can be made by inserting the card into the card unit (not shown) connected to the game machine 1 and operating the ball lending button 81.

When it is determined in S406-12 that there is a ball lending / payout request, the payout number Y is set to 25 (S406-15), and then the payout start command is set in the RAM (storage means) of the payout control board. (S406-16), this payout device control process (S406) is completed. On the other hand, if there is no ball lending / payout request, it is confirmed whether or not the total prize ball payout number X is 1 or more (S406-13). If the total prize ball payout number X is less than 1, this payout device control process (S406) ends. On the other hand, when the total prize ball payout number X is 1 or more, the payout control board payout number determination process (S406-14) is performed, and then the payout start command is set in the RAM (storage means) of the payout control board. (S406-16), and the payout device control process (S406) is completed.

The payout control board prize ball payout number determination process (S406-14) corresponds to a payout setting means for setting the number of prize balls (game balls) to be paid out by the payout device 281. The payout control board payout number determination process (in S406-134, as shown in FIG. 26, it is determined whether or not the total prize ball payout number X is 25 or more (S406-14-1), and the total prize ball payout number. When X is less than 25, the total prize ball payout number X is set in the payout number Y (S406-14-2), and then 0 is set in the total prize ball payout number X (S406-14-3). After that, the payout control board payout number determination process (S406-14) is completed. On the other hand, when the total prize ball payout number X is 25 or more, 25 is set in the payout number Y (S406-14-4). ), Next, the total prize ball payout number X is updated to the value obtained by subtracting 25 from the total prize ball payout number X (S406-14-5), and then the payout control board payout number determination process (S406-14). ) Is finished.

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

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

In the payout abnormality monitoring process (S408-1), a payout abnormality command for confirming that the game ball is abnormal when the game ball continues to be detected (abnormality detection) by the payout sensor for a predetermined time or longer due to clogging of the game ball or the like. Anomaly payout is set. The payout abnormality command and the payout abnormality may be set when the payout of the game ball (that is, the drive of the payout motor) by the payout device 281 is continuous for a predetermined time or longer. Further, the payout abnormality may be set when the total prize ball payout number X is 1 or more but the payout is not detected for a predetermined time.

More specifically, in the payout abnormality monitoring process (S408-1), as shown in FIG. 28, it is first confirmed whether or not the payout sensor of the payout device 281 is ON (detects the payout game ball) (S408-). 1-1), when the payout sensor is ON (game ball detection), the value of the payout abnormality monitoring timer is subtracted by 1 (S408-1-2), and whether or not the value of the payout abnormality monitoring timer after the subtraction is 0 or not. It is confirmed (S408-1-3). When the value of the payout abnormality monitoring timer is 0 (that is, when the game ball is continuously detected by the payout sensor in the payout device 281 for a predetermined time or longer), the payout abnormality command (command for notifying the payout abnormality) is issued to the payout control board 240. Is set (stored) in the RAM (storage means) of (S408-1-4), and the payout abnormality is set (0 → 1) in the corresponding area of the abnormality data buffer (RAM of the payout control board 240) shown in FIG. (S408-1-5), and then this payout abnormality monitoring process (S408-1) ends.

On the other hand, when it is determined in S404-1-3 that the value of the payout abnormality monitoring timer is not 0, the payout abnormality monitoring process (S408-1) ends.
If it is determined in S408-1-1 that the payout sensor is not ON (game ball not detected), 500 is set in the payout abnormality monitoring timer (S408-1-6), and then this payout is performed. The abnormality monitoring process (S408-1) ends.

In the payout abnormality release process (S408-2), as shown in FIG. 29, it is first confirmed whether or not a payout abnormality has occurred (S408-2-1). Whether or not a payout abnormality is occurring is determined by 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, while 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 a payout abnormality has not occurred, the payout abnormality release process (S408-2) ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S408-2-1 that a payout abnormality is occurring, it is confirmed whether or not the error release switch 273 is ON (pressed) (S408-2-2), and the error release switch 273 is ON. In the case of, the payout error release command is stored in the RAM (storage means) of the payout control board 240 (S408-2-3), and the payout error stored in the error data buffer is reset (1 → 0). (S408-2-4). The resetting of the payout abnormality does not release the abnormal state, but temporarily resets the state stored as the payout abnormality. If the abnormality is not resolved, the payout abnormality monitoring process (S408-1) is performed again. ) Is a mechanism that is judged to be abnormal). After that, the payout abnormality release process (S408-2) is completed. On the other hand, when it is determined in S408-2-2 that the error release switch is OFF, the payout abnormality release command is not set (S408-2-3) and the payout abnormality reset (S408-2-4) is not performed. , This payout abnormality release process (S408-2) is completed. The payout abnormality release command corresponds to the abnormality release information. Further, in the present embodiment, it is configured to confirm whether or not the payout abnormality is canceled by checking whether or not the error release switch is ON (pressed). For example, a game ball is specified at the payout exit in the payout device 281. If the time is not detected, it may be determined that the payout abnormality has been cleared. Further, the payout abnormality may be set when the total prize ball payout number X is 1 or more but the payout is not detected for a predetermined time.

In the fullness detection process (S408-3), when the lower plate 37 for receiving balls is full of game balls and the lower plate is full, the lower plate full switch is continuously turned off (not full) for a certain period of time. If this is the case, the lower plate non-full command is set and the ballless abnormality is reset (cancelled). On the other hand, if the lower plate is not full, the lower plate full switch is turned on (detection of full abnormality) for a certain period of time. ) Continues, it is confirmed that the condition is abnormal, and the lower plate full command and the ballless abnormality are set. The fullness detection process (S408-3) corresponds to the abnormality determination means together with the payout abnormality monitoring process (S408-1) and the ballless monitoring process (S408-4) described later.
More specifically, in the fullness detection process (S408-3), as shown in FIG. 30, it is first confirmed whether or not the lower plate is full (S408-3-1). Whether or not the lower plate is full is determined by whether or not the lower plate is full. Therefore, if the lower plate full abnormality is set, it is determined that the lower plate is full, and if the lower plate full abnormality is not set, it is determined that the lower plate is not full.

When it is determined in S408-3-1 that the lower plate is full, 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 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), and when the lower plate is not continuously full during the full release time, the lower plate is not full (non-full). It is judged to be full). The full release time is set longer than the lower plate full detection time in order to accurately determine whether or not it has become normal.

When it is determined in S408-3-2 that the lower plate full switch is OFF (fullness is not detected), the value of the lower plate full monitoring timer is subtracted by 1 (S408-3-4), and the lower plate full monitoring after the subtraction is performed. It is confirmed whether the value of the timer is 0 (S408-3-5). If the value of the lower plate full monitoring timer is not 0, this 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 abnormality release command) is issued to the RAM of the payout control board 240 (corresponding to the lower plate full abnormality release command). The lower plate full abnormality set (stored) in the storage means) (S408-3-6) and stored in the corresponding area of the abnormality 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 the fullness detection process (S408-3) ends. The lower plate full detection time 160 is a detection time for determining that the lower plate is full, and if the lower plate is continuously full during the lower plate full detection time 160, it is determined that the lower plate is full. Will be done. The lower plate full detection time 160 is set to a time shorter than the rest time 200.

If it is determined in S408-3-1 that the lower plate is not full, it is confirmed whether the lower plate full switch is ON (full detection) (S408-3-9), and the lower plate full switch is OFF. In the case of (not full), 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.

When 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 subtracted by 1 (S408-3-11), and the lower plate full monitoring timer after the subtraction is subtracted. It is confirmed whether the value of is 0 (S408-3-12). If the value of the lower plate full monitoring timer is not 0, this full detection process (S408-3) ends.

On the other hand, when the value of the lower plate full monitoring timer is determined to be 0 in S408-3-12, the lower plate full command is set (stored) in the RAM (storage means) of the payout control board 240 (S408-). 3-13) Further, the lower plate full abnormality is set (0 → 1) in the corresponding area of the abnormality 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 the full detection process (S408-3) ends.

In the ballless monitoring process (S408-4), when the game ball supplied to the payout device 281 is out of ball and the ball is abnormal, the ballless detection switch 283 continues to be ON (ball detection) for a certain period of time. If this is the case, the command with the ball is set and the abnormality without the ball is reset (released). If the state) continues, it is confirmed that the state is abnormal, and the command without ball and the abnormality without ball are set.
More specifically, in the ballless monitoring process (S408-4), as shown in FIG. 31, it is first confirmed whether or not the ballless abnormality is occurring (S408-4-1). Whether or not the ballless abnormality is in progress is determined by whether or not the ballless abnormality is set. Therefore, when the ballless abnormality is set, it is determined that the ballless abnormality is in progress, while when the ballless abnormality is not set, it is determined that the ballless abnormality is not in progress.

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

When the ballless detection switch 283 is determined to be ON (ball detection) in S408-4-2, the value of the ball presence monitoring timer is subtracted by 1 (S408-4-4), and the ball presence monitoring timer after subtraction is performed. It is confirmed whether the value of is 0 (S408-4-5). If the value of the ball-less monitoring timer is not 0, the ball-less monitoring process (S408-4) ends.

On the other hand, when the value of the monitoring timer with a ball is determined to be 0 in S408-4-5, the command with a ball (corresponding to the command to release the abnormality without a ball) is set in the RAM (storage means) of the payout control board 240. It is (stored) (S408-4-6), and the ballless abnormality stored in the corresponding area of the abnormality data buffer (RAM of the payout control board 240) is reset (1 → 0) (S408-4). -7). Next, 100 is set as the ball-less detection time in the ball-less monitoring timer (S408-4-8), and then the ball-less monitoring process (S408-4) ends. The ballless detection time 100 is a detection time for determining that there is no ball, and when no ball is continuously detected during the ballless detection time 100 (when no ball is detected), it is regarded as a ballless abnormality. Judged. The ballless detection time 100 is set to a time shorter than the rest time 200.

When it is determined in S408-4-1 that the ballless abnormality is not occurring, it is confirmed whether or not the ballless detection switch 283 is ON (ball detection) (S408-4-9), and the ballless detection switch 283 is set. In the case of ON (ball detection), 100 is set as the ball-less detection time in the ball-less monitoring timer (S408-4-10), and the ball-less monitoring process (S408-4) ends.

When it is determined in S408-4-9 that the ballless detection switch 283 is OFF (ball not detected), the value of the ball monitoring timer is subtracted by 1 (S408-4-11), and the subtracted ball monitoring timer is subtracted. It is confirmed whether the value of is 0 (S408-4-12). If the value of the ball-less monitoring timer is not 0, the ball-less monitoring process (S408-4) ends.

On the other hand, when the value of the monitoring timer with a ball is determined to be 0 in S408-4-12, the command without a ball is set (stored) in the RAM (storage means) of the payout control board 240 (S408-4). -13). Further, a ballless abnormality is set (0 → 1) in the corresponding area of the abnormality data buffer (RAM of the payout control board 240) (S408-4-14), and the ball presence monitoring timer has a ball presence detection time of 3000. Is set (S408-4-15), and then the full 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 is the latest. The error command or the error release command is 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 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 operating command is output at the time when the first time shorter than the second time elapses, and the initial value is set in the command reception timer. However, since there is no output of the operating command from the main control board 200 (the command reception timer has become 0), it is determined that the main control board 200 is inoperable, and the payout control is performed. The storage state is maintained without outputting each of the above-mentioned abnormality commands or abnormality release commands stored in the RAM (storage means) of the board 240, and this command output process (S409) ends.

When it is determined in S409-1 that the value of the command reception timer is not 0 (the 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 or not the payout abnormality release command is stored in the RAM (storage means) of the board 240 (S409-2).

When it is determined in S409-2 that the payout abnormality release command is stored, the payout abnormality release command is transmitted to the main control board 200, and the payout abnormality release command is issued from the RAM of the payout control board 240. It is erased (S409-3), and this command output process (S409) ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in S409-2 that the payout abnormality release command is not stored in the RAM, it is confirmed whether the payout abnormality command is stored next (S409-4).

When it is determined in S409-4 that the 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 ( S409-5), this command output process (S409) ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in S409-4 that the payout abnormality command is not stored in the RAM, then it is confirmed whether the lower plate non-full command is stored (S409-6).

If it is determined in S409-6 that the lower plate non-full command is stored, the set of the lower plate full command is reset (S409-7), and the lower plate non-full command is further transmitted to the main control board 200. At the same time as being transmitted, 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 plate non-full command is not stored in the RAM, then it is confirmed whether the lower plate full command is stored (S409-9).

When it is determined in S409-9 that the lower plate full command is stored, the lower plate full command is transmitted to the main control board 200, and the lower plate full command is sent from the RAM of the payout control board 240. It is erased (S409-10), and this command output process (S409) ends. By outputting this lower plate full command, it is configured to notify an abnormality based on the lower plate full.

If it is determined in S409-9 that the lower plate full command is not stored in the RAM, it is confirmed whether the command with a ball is stored (S409-11). When it is determined that the command with a ball is stored, the set of commands without a ball is reset (S409-12), the command with a ball is transmitted to the main control board 200, and the payout control board 240 The command with a ball is erased from the RAM (S409-13), and this command output process (S409) ends. By outputting this command with a ball, the abnormality notification based on the detection without a ball is stopped.

If it is determined in S409-11 that the command with a ball is not stored in the RAM, then it is confirmed whether the command without a ball is stored (S409-14). When it is determined that the ballless command is stored, the ballless command is transmitted to the main control board 200, and the ballless command is deleted from the RAM of the payout control board 240 (S409-15). This command output process (S409) ends. By outputting this ballless command, it is configured to perform abnormality notification based on balllessness.
The transmission of each command in the command output process (S409) corresponds to the abnormality information output means.

If it is determined in S409-14 that the ballless command is not stored in the RAM, it is confirmed whether the payout start command is stored (S409-16). When it is determined in S409-16 that the payout start command is stored, the payout device 281 is started to be paid out, and the payout start command is deleted from the RAM of the payout control board 240 (S409-17). ), This command output process (S409) ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in S409-16 that the payout start command is not stored in the RAM, this 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 transmitted to the main control board 200, the transmitted command is sent to the payout control board. Since the command is erased from the RAM of 240 and the same command is not output again, a command is issued from the payout control board 240 to the main control board 200 when the main control board 200 is not started (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 can operate. Since the command is transmitted from the payout control board 240 only when it is confirmed that the state is in the state, it is possible to suppress the omission of the command by the main control board 200.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the payout device 281 is determined to have an abnormality by the abnormality determination means during the payout operation of the plurality of game media, a predetermined number (preset) of the game media during the payout operation is set. Since the set number, 1 in this embodiment) is paid out and the payout operation is stopped before the next game medium is paid out, the payout operation of the payout device can be stopped quickly and a stable operation stop position can be obtained. Become.

In this embodiment, the predetermined number is set to one, and the payout device 281 confirms an abnormality each time one payout of the game medium. Therefore, if there is an abnormality when one payout is made, the payout device is stopped. However, the predetermined number is not limited to one, and may be two or more (for example, 25). When the predetermined number is two or more, even if an abnormality is occurring, the payout device is stopped after the predetermined number is paid out. Further, in this embodiment, an abnormality is confirmed every time a predetermined number is paid out, but a configuration in which a predetermined number is paid out after confirming the abnormality may be used.

As a control process when a predetermined number of game balls are paid out and the payout is stopped after confirming an abnormality, instead of the payout device control process (S406) of FIG. 25, the payout device control process (S406A) shown in FIG. 36 or FIG. 37 An example of performing the payout device control process (S406B) shown in the above will be described. The other processes are as described in the above embodiment.

In the payout device control process (S406A) shown in FIG. 36, the payout number N for stopping is set after it is determined to be abnormal, and the payout device is stopped after paying out the set stop payout number N game balls. Control processing.
In the payout device control process (S406A), first, it is determined whether the payout motor of the payout device 281 is operating (driving) (S406A-1). If it is in operation, it is confirmed whether an abnormality is occurring (whether it is in a state determined to be abnormal) (S406A-2). The term "abnormality is occurring" means that the payout device 281 has caused a payout abnormality for a predetermined time, or the ball receiving lower plate 37 has a lower plate full abnormality that is full of game balls for a predetermined time. Or, when a ballless abnormality in which no ball is detected by the ballless detection switch 283 has occurred for a predetermined time, a payout abnormality, a lower plate full abnormality, and a ballless abnormality are set (RAM of the payout control board 240). It is a case where it is memorized in. The process of S406A-2 corresponds to the abnormality determination confirmation means.

When it is determined in S406A-2 that an abnormality is not occurring, it is confirmed whether the paid out prize ball (game ball) is detected by the payout sensor (payout detecting means) (S406A-6). When the payout sensor detects the payout prize balls, the payout number is subtracted from the payout number Y (the payout number set in S406-14 or S406A-14-17) (S406A-). 7), it is confirmed whether the remaining number of payouts Y after subtraction is 1 or more (S406A-8). On the other hand, when it is determined in the S406A-6 that the payout sensor does not detect the payout number of prize balls, it is confirmed whether the payout number Y is 1 or more without subtracting the payout number Y. (S406A-8).

When it is determined in S406A-8 that the number of payouts Y is 1 or more, the payout motor of the payout device 281 is continuously driven (S406A-9), and the payout device control process (S406A) is terminated. On the other hand, when the number of payouts Y is less than 1, the drive of the payout motor of the payout device 281 is stopped (S406A-10), the payout device pause time (for example, 200 ms) is set (S406A-11), and the payout device is controlled. The process (S406A) is terminated. The payout device pause time is a time for stopping the drive of the payout motor of the payout device 281 until the next payout is started when the total prize ball payout number X is 1 or more. Further, the process of stopping the payout of the payout device 281 by the S406A-10 when it is determined that the abnormality is not occurring in the S406A-2 corresponds to the payout suspension means. The pause time of the payout device 281 is also set at the time of initial setting at the time of turning on the power or resetting.

Further, when it is determined in the S406A-2 that an abnormality is occurring (in a state determined to be abnormal), it is determined whether the payout number Y is equal to or more than the stop payout number N (S406A-3). The number of payouts N for stopping is set to a value smaller than the number of payouts Y (example: 25 pieces) at one time (example: 1 piece, 3 pieces, etc.). When it is determined in S406A-3 that the number of payouts Y is less than the number of payouts N for stopping, the number of payouts Y becomes the number of the same role as the number of payouts N for stopping, and the prize balls (game balls) paid out. Is detected by the payout sensor (payout detection means) (S406A-6). On the other hand, when it is determined in S406A-3 that the number of payouts Y is equal to or greater than the number of payouts for stopping, the number of YN is added to the total number of prize balls paid out X (the rest of the number of payouts is added to the total number of prize balls paid out X). (Return) (S406A-4), the payout number N for stopping is set in the payout number Y (S406A-5), and it is confirmed whether the paid out prize ball (game ball) is detected by the payout sensor (payout detection means). (S406A-6). With this configuration, it is possible to manage the remaining number of payouts to be paid out while setting the number of payouts for stoppage when it is determined that an abnormality is occurring.

When it is determined that the payout sensor has detected the prize balls paid out in S406A-6, the number paid out is subtracted from the number of payouts Y (S406A-7), and the remaining number of payouts Y after the subtraction is calculated. It is confirmed whether it is 1 or more (S406A-8). On the other hand, when it is determined in the S406A-6 that the payout sensor does not detect the payout prize ball, it is confirmed whether the payout number Y is 1 or more without subtracting the payout number Y ( S406A-8).

When it is determined in S406A-8 that the number of payouts Y is 1 or more, the payout motor of the payout device 281 is continuously driven (S406A-9), and the payout device control process (S406A) is terminated. On the other hand, when the number of payouts Y is less than 1, the drive of the payout motor of the payout device 281 is stopped (S406A-10), the payout device pause time (for example, 200 ms) is set (S406A-11), and the payout device is controlled. The process (S406A) is terminated. The payout device pause time is a time for stopping the drive of the payout motor of the payout device 281 until the next payout is started when the total prize ball payout number X is 1 or more. The pause time of the payout device 281 is also set at the time of initial setting at the time of turning on the power or resetting. Further, the process of stopping the payout of the payout device 281 by the S406A-10 when it is determined that an abnormality is occurring in the S406A-2 corresponds to the payout stop means in the present invention. If it is determined that an abnormality is occurring, the payout operation of the payout device shall be stopped after the predetermined number (number of payouts for stopping, eg 3 pieces) is paid out until the next game ball is paid out. Therefore, it is possible to quickly stop the payout operation of the payout device and to set a stable operation stop position.

On the other hand, if it is determined in the S406A-1 that the payout motor of the payout device 281 is not in operation (driving), that is, is stopped, it is next determined whether the pause time of the payout device 281 has elapsed ( S406A-12). When it is determined in the S406A-12 that the pause time of the payout device has not elapsed, the payout device control process (S406A) ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the pause time has elapsed, it is determined whether or not an abnormality has occurred (S406A-13), and if an abnormality has occurred, this payout device control process (S406A) ends. Therefore, when it is determined in S406A-13 that an abnormality is occurring, the execution of the payout operation by the payout device 281 continues to be stopped, and the next payout is postponed until the abnormality is resolved.

On the other hand, when it is determined in S406A-13 that an abnormality is not occurring, it is confirmed whether the payout quantity Y is 1 or more (S406A-14). When the number of payouts Y is 1 or more, the payout start command is set in the RAM (storage means) of the payout control board (S406A-18), and the payout device control process (S406A) ends.

On the other hand, when it is determined in the S406A-14 that the number of payouts Y is less than 1, it is confirmed whether or not there is a ball lending payout request (S406A-15). The ball lending / paying request is configured so that the ball lending / paying request can be made by inserting the card into the card unit (not shown) connected to the game machine 1 and operating the ball lending button 81.

When it is determined in the S406A-15 that there is a ball lending / payout request, the payout number Y is set to 25 (S406A-17), and then the payout start command is set in the RAM (storage means) of the payout control board. (S406A-18), this payout device control process (S406A) is completed. On the other hand, if there is no ball lending / payout request, it is confirmed whether or not the total prize ball payout number X is 1 or more (S406A-16). If the total prize ball payout number X is less than 1, this payout device control process (S406A) ends. On the other hand, when the total prize ball payout number X is 1 or more, the payout control board payout number determination process (S406-14) shown in FIG. 26 is performed, and then the payout start command is issued to the RAM (memory) of the payout control board. Means) (S406A-18), and this payout device control process (S406A) ends.

In the payout device control process (S406B) shown in FIG. 37, the number of stop payouts is set after it is determined to be abnormal, and the game balls are paid out for the number of stop payouts, as in the payout device control process (S406A) of FIG. This is another example in which the payout device is stopped later, and is an example in which the stop payout number Z is set separately from the payout number Y.
In the payout device control process (S406B), first, it is determined whether the payout motor of the payout device 281 is operating (driving) (S406B-1). If it is in operation, it is confirmed whether an abnormality is occurring (whether it is in a state determined to be abnormal) (S406B-2). The term "abnormality is occurring" means that the payout device 281 has caused a payout abnormality for a predetermined time, or the ball receiving lower plate 37 has a lower plate full abnormality that is full of game balls for a predetermined time. Or, when a ballless abnormality in which no ball is detected by the ballless detection switch 283 has occurred for a predetermined time, a payout abnormality, a lower plate full abnormality, and a ballless abnormality are set (RAM of the payout control board 240). It is the case that it is remembered in. The process of S406B-2 corresponds to the abnormality determination confirmation means.

If it is determined in S406B-2 that an abnormality is not occurring, it is confirmed whether or not the paid-out prize ball (game ball) is detected by the payout sensor (payout detecting means) (S406B-5). When the payout sensor detects the payout prize balls, the payout number is subtracted from the payout number Y (the payout number set in S406-14 or S406B-18) (S406B-6). At the same time, the number paid out is subtracted from the number of payouts Z for stopping (S406B-7). The number of stop payouts Z in a state where an abnormality is not occurring is set to the value of the number of payouts Y (example: 25) in the process of S406B-19 described later, and the number of payouts Y and the number of stop payouts Z Are equal values. Next, it is confirmed whether the number of stop payouts Z after the subtraction is 1 or more (S406B-8). When the number of stop payouts Z after subtraction is 1 or more, it is confirmed whether the remaining number of payouts Y after subtraction is 1 or more (S406B-9). On the other hand, when it is determined in the S406B-5 that the payout sensor does not detect the payout prize ball, it is then confirmed in the S406B-9 whether the payout number Y is 1 or more.

When it is determined in S406B-9 that the number of payouts Y is 1 or more, the payout motor of the payout device 281 is continuously driven (S406B-10), and the payout device control process (S406B) is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined in S406B-9 that the number of payouts Y is less than 1, the drive of the payout motor of the payout device 281 is stopped (S406B-11), and the payout device pause time (for example, 200 ms) is set (S406B-. 12), this payout device control process (S406B) is terminated. The payout device pause time is a time for stopping the drive of the payout motor of the payout device 281 until the next payout is started when the total prize ball payout number X is 1 or more. The pause time of the payout device 281 is also set at the time of initial setting at the time of turning on the power or resetting.

When it is determined in the S406B-8 that the number of stop payouts Z after subtraction is less than 1, the payout motor drive of the payout device 281 is stopped (S406B-11), and the payout device pause time (for example, 200 ms) is set. Then (S406B-12), the payout device control process (S406B) is terminated.

When it is determined that an abnormality is not occurring in S406B-2, it is determined that the payout sensor has detected the prize ball paid out in S406B-5, and it is determined that it has not been detected. In any case, the process of stopping the payout of the payout device 281 by the S406B-11 corresponds to the payout suspension means.

On the other hand, when it is determined in the S406B-2 that an abnormality is occurring (in a state determined to be abnormal), it is confirmed whether the number Z for stop payout is 3 or more (S406B-3). That is, the stop payout quantity Z until it is determined to be abnormal is set to the value of the payout quantity Y (example: 25 or the value of the current payout quantity) as the stop payout quantity Z in the process of S406B-19 described later. It is maintained in the above-mentioned state, and when it is judged to be abnormal, it becomes a value larger than the stop payout number Z (value smaller than the payout number Y, example: 3) set in the next S406B-4. In the case of a large value, it is necessary to reset the value of the number of payouts Z for stopping to the value of the number of payouts Z when it is determined to be abnormal. When it is determined in S406B-3 that the number of stop payouts Z is 3 or more, for example, 3 is set as the value of the number of stop payouts Z (S406B-4). The stop payout number Z set here is a value smaller (example: 3 or 1) than the value set for the payout number Y (example: 25). Next, it is confirmed whether or not the paid-out prize ball (game ball) is detected by the payout sensor (payout detecting means) (S406B-5). On the other hand, when it is determined in S406B-3 that the number of stop payouts Z is less than 3, the number of stop payouts Z remains the same without resetting the current stop payout number Z to the value at the time of abnormality. The number of payouts for stopping is reached, and then it is confirmed whether or not the paid out prize balls (game balls) are detected by the payout sensor (payout detection means) (S406B-5).

When it is determined that the payout sensor has detected the prize balls paid out in S406B-5, the number paid out is subtracted from the number of prize balls paid out Y (S406B-6), and the number of payouts for stopping Z The number paid out from is subtracted (S406B-7). Next, it is confirmed whether the number of stop payouts Z after the subtraction is 1 or more (S406B-8). When the number of stop payouts Z after subtraction is 1 or more, it is confirmed whether the remaining number of payouts Y after subtraction is 1 or more (S406B-9). On the other hand, when it is determined in the S406B-5 that the payout sensor does not detect the payout prize ball, it is then confirmed in the S406B-9 whether the payout number Y is 1 or more.

When it is determined in S406B-9 that the number of payouts Y is 1 or more, the payout motor of the payout device 281 is continuously driven (S406B-10), and the payout device control process (S406B) is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined in S406B-9 that the number of payouts Y is less than 1, the drive of the payout motor of the payout device 281 is stopped (S406B-11), and the payout device pause time (for example, 200 ms) is set (S406B-. 12), this payout device control process (S406B) is terminated. The payout device pause time is a time for stopping the drive of the payout motor of the payout device 281 until the next payout is started when the total prize ball payout number X is 1 or more. The pause time of the payout device 281 is also set at the time of initial setting at the time of turning on the power or resetting.

When it is determined in the S406B-8 that the number of stop payouts Z after subtraction is less than 1, the payout motor drive of the payout device 281 is stopped (S406B-11), and the payout device pause time (for example, 200 ms) is set. Then (S406B-12), the payout device control process (S406B) is terminated. When it is determined in S406B-2 that an abnormality is occurring and the number of stop payouts Z is less than 1 in S406B-8, the process of stopping the payout of the payout device 281 in S406B-11 is performed. It corresponds to the payout suspension means in the present invention. If it is determined that an abnormality is occurring, the payout operation of the payout device shall be stopped after the predetermined number (number of payouts for stopping, eg 3 pieces) is paid out until the next game ball is paid out. Therefore, it is possible to quickly stop the payout operation of the payout device and to set a stable operation stop position.

On the other hand, if it is determined in the S406B-1 that the payout motor of the payout device 281 is not in operation (driving), that is, is stopped, it is next determined whether the pause time of the payout device 281 has elapsed ( S406B-13). When it is determined in the S406B-13 that the pause time of the payout device has not elapsed, the payout device control process (S406B) ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the pause time has elapsed, it is determined whether or not an abnormality has occurred (S406B-14), and if an abnormality has occurred, this payout device control process (S406B) ends. Therefore, when it is determined in S406B-14 that an abnormality is occurring, the execution of the payout operation by the payout device 281 continues to be stopped, and the next payout is postponed until the abnormality is resolved.

On the other hand, when it is determined in S406B-14 that an abnormality is not occurring, it is confirmed whether the payout quantity Y is 1 or more (S406B-15). When the number of payouts Y is 1 or more, the current value of the number of payouts Y is set to the value of the number of payouts Z for stopping (S406B-19), and then the payout start command is issued to the RAM (storage means) of the payout control board. (S406B-20), and this payout device control process (S406B) ends.

On the other hand, when it is determined in the S406B-15 that the number of payouts Y is less than 1, it is confirmed whether or not there is a ball lending payout request (S406B-16). The ball lending / paying request is configured so that the ball lending / paying request can be made by inserting the card into the card unit (not shown) connected to the game machine 1 and operating the ball lending button 81.

When it is determined in the S406B-16 that there is a ball lending payout request, the payout quantity Y is set to 25 (S406B-18), and then the value of the payout quantity Y (example: 25) is the stop payout quantity. The value of Z is set (S406B-19), then the payout start command is set in the RAM (storage means) of the payout control board (S406B-20), and the payout device control process (S406B) ends. On the other hand, if there is no ball lending / payout request, it is confirmed whether or not the total prize ball payout number X is 1 or more (S406B-17). If the total number of prize balls paid out X is less than 1, this payout device control process (S406B) ends. On the other hand, when the total prize ball payout number X is 1 or more, the payout control board payout number determination process (S406-14) shown in FIG. 26 is performed, and then the value of the payout number Y (example: 25 pieces). Is set to the value of the number of payouts Z for stopping (S406B-19), then the payout start command is set in the RAM (storage means) of the payout control board (S406B-20), and this payout device control process (S406B) is performed. finish. With this configuration, it is possible to set the number of payouts for stopping when it is determined that an abnormality is occurring without changing the values of the number of payouts Y and the number of payouts of total prize balls X.

Further, the payout device is not limited to the one in which the payout gutter through which the game ball paid out by the payout screw passes is one as in this embodiment, and the payout device is also divided into two or more on the left and right. The invention can be applied.
The conceptualization of this embodiment is as follows.
(1). A payout device that pays out the game medium due to the establishment of the payout condition, an abnormality determination means for determining the presence / absence of an abnormality in the game machine, and the payout device due to the determination that there is an abnormality by the abnormality determination means. In a gaming machine including a payout stop means for stopping the execution of a payout operation, the payout stop means is used when an abnormality is detected by the abnormality determination means during the payout operation of a plurality of game media. After paying out a predetermined number of the game media in the payout operation, the payout operation is stopped before the next game medium is paid out.
According to (1), when the payout device detects that there is an abnormality by the abnormality determining means during the payout operation of a plurality of game media, a predetermined number of game media during the payout operation (a preset number of settings) After the payout, the payout operation is stopped at the position before the payout of the next game medium, so that the payout operation of the payout device can be stopped quickly and the stable operation stop position can be obtained.
(2). In (1), the abnormality determination confirmation means for confirming the determination result of the abnormality determination means during the payout operation of the plurality of game media is provided, and the payout stop means has an abnormality in the confirmation result by the abnormality determination confirmation means. In the case of a judgment and before the number of payouts of the game medium reaches a predetermined number, the payout operation is stopped after the number of payouts reaches a predetermined number and before the next payout of the game medium. It is characterized by doing.
According to (2), when the determination result of the abnormality determination means is confirmed during the payout operation of the plurality of game media and the confirmation result by the abnormality determination confirmation means is determined to have an abnormality, and the game medium If the number of payouts is before the predetermined number, after the number of payouts of the game media reaches the predetermined number, the payout operation is stopped before the next payout of the game media. It is possible to quickly stop the payout operation of the payout device and to set a stable operation stop position.
(3). In (1), the abnormality determination confirmation means for confirming the determination result of the abnormality determination means during the payout operation of the plurality of game media is provided, and the payout stop means has an abnormality in the confirmation result by the abnormality determination confirmation means. When it is determined and the number of payouts of the game media reaches a predetermined number, the payout operation is stopped before the next payout of the game media.
According to (3), when the determination result of the abnormality determination means is confirmed during the payout operation of the plurality of game media and the confirmation result by the abnormality determination confirmation means is determined to have an abnormality, and the game medium When the number of payouts reaches a predetermined number, the payout operation is stopped before the next game medium is paid out. Therefore, after paying out the predetermined number of game media, the payout operation of the payout device is quickly stopped and stable operation is stopped. It becomes possible to make a position.
(4). In any one of (1) to (3), the abnormality notification means for executing the abnormality notification is provided due to the fact that the abnormality determination means determines that there is an abnormality.
According to (4), when there is an abnormality, it is determined that the abnormality is present and the abnormality is notified, so that the abnormal state can be recognized.
(5). In any one of (1) to (4), the abnormality detection determination of the game machine by the abnormality determination means is the abnormality detection of the payout device or the storage unit for storing the game medium paid out by the payout device. It is characterized in that at least one of the full tank state, the presence / absence state of the game medium supplied to the payout device, or the presence / absence state of the game medium at the winning opening of the game medium provided in the game area.
According to (5), the abnormality detection of the payout device, the full state of the storage unit for storing the game medium, the presence / absence of the game medium to be supplied to the payout device, or the game medium at the winning opening of the game medium provided in the game area. It is possible to apply to the presence / absence state (presence / absence of ball clogging).

Further, in the embodiment, three types of abnormalities of the game machine are set: payout abnormality (payout sensor abnormality), lower plate full abnormality, and ballless abnormality, but the present invention is not limited to this, and is provided in the game area, for example. The detection abnormality of the presence / absence state of the game medium at the winning opening of the game medium may be included, or at least one of those abnormalities may be included. Regarding the detection abnormality of the presence / absence state of the game medium at the winning opening of the game medium, it is determined that the abnormality is detected when the game medium is continuously detected for a predetermined time or longer by the winning opening detection switch (detection sensor) provided at each winning opening. It can be configured to be judged as abnormal when a prize is detected even though the prize has not been won.
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and may be applied to slots and the like, and can be changed without departing from the spirit of the invention.

1 Game machine 2 Game board 10 Display device 41 Upper start winning opening 42 Lower starting winning opening 64 Launching device

Claims (1)

A payout device that pays out game media due to the establishment of payout conditions,
Abnormality judgment means for determining the presence or absence of abnormality in the game machine,
The payout stop means for stopping the execution of the payout operation of the payout device due to the fact that the abnormality determination means determines that there is an abnormality.
In a game machine equipped with
When the number of payouts is more than a predetermined number, a pause means for stopping the execution of the payout operation of the payout device for a predetermined pause time is provided every time the predetermined number is paid out.
When the payout device detects that there is an abnormality by the abnormality determination means during the payout operation of a plurality of game media, the payout stop means pays out the game medium in the payout operation and then pays out the next game medium. Configured to stop the payout operation before
The abnormality determination for which the presence or absence of an abnormality is determined by the abnormality determination means has at least a first abnormality determination and a second abnormality determination, and the first abnormality detection time and the second abnormality determination based on the first abnormality determination. The second abnormality detection time is different depending on the detection time.
A first abnormality releasing means for determining that the first abnormality has been released by elapse of the first abnormality releasing time in a state where there is no first abnormality by the first abnormality determining means,
It has a second abnormality releasing means for determining that the second abnormality has been released by elapse of the second abnormality releasing time in a state where there is no second abnormality by the second abnormality determining means.
The first abnormality detection time and the first abnormality release time, and the second abnormality detection time and the second abnormality release time are composed of different times, and also include the first abnormality release time. A gaming machine characterized in that the second abnormality release time is composed of different times , and the pause time is longer than the first abnormality detection time and the second abnormality detection time .

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