JP6777123B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a game machine.

Pachinko machines are known as a type of game machine. The pachinko machine is provided with a power supply device that supplies electric power to the main control device, the payout control device, the payout device, and the like. The power supply device is connected to an external power supply, converts an AC voltage applied from the external power supply into a DC voltage, and supplies the converted voltage to each device (see, for example, Patent Document 1) .

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2010-94543

However, in pachinko gaming machines, there is still room for improvement regarding the supply of operating power for controlling the operation of the operating means that operates by applying a voltage . It should be noted that the configuration is not limited to the configuration related to the pachinko gaming machine, and the same applies to the configuration related to other gaming machines such as reel drive control of the slot machine.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-exemplified circumstances and the like, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of suitably supplying operating power for controlling the operation of operating means. It is a thing.

The present invention
An operating means that operates by applying a voltage,
A power supply means that applies a voltage to the operating means to operate the operating means, and
In a game machine equipped with
The power supply means not only applies an operating voltage to operate the operating means, but also consumes less power than when the operating voltage is applied while the operating means is stopped. The stop voltage is applied as a pulse voltage that makes the period during which the voltage is ON shorter than the voltage.
The operating voltage and the stopped voltage are the same voltage.
The power supply means
A first circuit used to generate a voltage applied to the operating means,
A second circuit, which is a logic voltage applied to the control means and is used to generate a voltage lower than the voltage generated by the first circuit.
Is equipped with
The duty ratio of the pulse voltage is set so that the average value thereof is the same as or substantially the same as the logic voltage.
The operating means is a stepping motor.
When braking the stepping motor from the operating state, the power supply means brakes by applying the operating voltage to a predetermined exciting phase, and when the braking is completed, the stopped voltage. Equipped with a specific means to switch to the state of applying
The stepping motor is a two-phase stepping motor using a 1-2 phase excitation method.
A drive control means for controlling the operation of the stepping motor by controlling which exciting phase of the stepping motor the operating voltage and the stopped voltage from the power supply means are applied is provided.
The drive control means
When braking the stepping motor from the operating state, the first means for controlling the operating voltage to be applied to the two-phase exciting phase, and
After the control by the first means, the pulse voltage as the stop voltage switched by the specific means is controlled to be applied to the two-phase excitation phase to which the operation voltage is applied. Second means to do
After the control by the second means, the third means for controlling so that the pulse voltage as the stopping voltage is applied to the one-phase exciting phase while the stepping motor is stopped.
It is characterized by having.

According to the present invention, in a game machine, it is possible to suitably supply operating power for controlling the operation of operating means.

It is a front view which shows the pachinko machine. It is a perspective view which shows the main structure of a pachinko machine in development. It is a perspective view which shows the main structure of a pachinko machine in development. It is a rear view which shows the structure of a pachinko machine. It is a rear view which shows the structure of the front door frame. It is a front view which shows the structure of the main body frame. It is a front view which shows the structure of the game board. It is a rear view which shows the structure of the main body frame. It is a perspective view which shows the back structure of the game board. It is a rear view which shows the state which the main control unit is removed from the game board. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the main control unit. It is a front view which shows the structure of the back pack unit. It is an exploded perspective view which shows the structure of the back pack unit. It is a vertical sectional view which shows the passage structure formed in the payout device. It is a block diagram which shows the electric structure of a pachinko machine. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display content of a symbol display device. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline of various counters used for game control. It is a flowchart which shows the NMI interrupt processing by the CPU of the main control board. It is a flowchart which shows the timer interrupt processing. It is a flowchart which shows the start winning process. It is a flowchart which shows the main process. It is a flowchart which shows a normal process. It is a block diagram which shows the electric structure about payout of a game ball. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the configuration of the 1st input port. (A) is an explanatory diagram for explaining a prize ball counter area, and (b) is an explanatory diagram for explaining a command storage area. (A) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the prize ball number storage area, (b) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the ball rental number storage area, and (c) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the payout number counter area. (D) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the prize ball table storage area. It is a flowchart which shows the reading process by the CPU of the main control board. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the processing content of the reading process. It is a flowchart which shows the information determination process. It is a flowchart which shows the input state monitoring process. It is a flowchart which shows the front door frame opening signal monitoring processing. It is a flowchart which shows the prize ball permission signal monitoring processing. It is a flowchart which shows the output process for payout. It is a flowchart which shows the prize ball command output processing. It is a flowchart which shows the main processing by the CPU of the payout control board. It is a flowchart which shows interrupt processing at the time of input. It is a flowchart which shows the timer interrupt processing. It is a flowchart which shows the process for full tank. It is a flowchart which shows the ball useless processing. It is a flowchart which shows the prize ball setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the ball rental setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the payout quantity setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the payout control process. It is a flowchart which shows the payout state setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the drive signal output processing. It is a flowchart which shows the prize ball permission signal setting process. It is a time chart for explaining the state of the output of the prize ball command with respect to the prize ball permission signal. It is a flowchart which shows the payout monitoring process. It is a flowchart which shows the process for a retry operation. It is a flowchart which shows the process for alternating operation. It is a flowchart which shows the initialization process. It is a timing chart for demonstrating the case where a retry state is set. It is a block diagram which shows the drive system of a stepping motor. It is a schematic diagram which shows the operating principle of a stepping motor. It is explanatory drawing which shows the data table for a drive signal. It is a flowchart which shows the exciting voltage setting process. It is a timing chart for demonstrating the excitation voltage at the time of operation and stop of a stepping motor. It is explanatory drawing which shows the excitation pattern including the start and stop of the rotation operation of a stepping motor. It is a block diagram which shows the drive system of the stepping motor in the 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the excitation voltage setting process in 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the data table for the drive signal in 3rd Embodiment.

<First Embodiment>
Hereinafter, an embodiment of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter, referred to as “pachinko machine”), which is a type of gaming machine, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 10, FIGS. 2 and 3 are perspective views showing the main configurations of the pachinko machine 10, and FIG. 4 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 10. Note that in FIG. 2, the configuration of the pachinko machine 10 in the game area is omitted for convenience.

The pachinko machine 10 has an outer frame 11 that forms the outer shell of the pachinko machine 10, and a game machine main portion 12 that is rotatably attached to the outer frame 11 in the forward direction. The outer frame 11 is formed by connecting wooden plates on all four sides and has a rectangular frame shape. The pachinko machine 10 is installed in the game hall by attaching and fixing the outer frame 11 to the island equipment.

As shown in FIG. 1, a ball lending device (for example, a CR unit) Y is provided on the side of the outer frame 11. A card insertion slot H is provided on the front side of the ball lending device Y so that a number of game balls corresponding to the amount stored in the card can be rented by inserting the card into the card insertion slot H. It has become. It should be noted that what is inserted into the ball lending device Y when receiving a loan of a game ball is not limited to a card, and may be cash or a coin in which cash information is stored.

The game machine main unit 12 includes a main body frame 13, a front door frame 14 arranged in front of the main body frame 13, and a back pack unit 15 arranged behind the main body frame 13. The main body frame 13 of the game machine main portion 12 is rotatably supported with respect to the outer frame 11. Specifically, the main body frame 13 can rotate forward with the left side as the rotation base end side and the right side as the rotation tip side in front view.

As shown in FIG. 2, the front door frame 14 is rotatably supported on the main body frame 13, and can be rotated forward with the left side as the rotation base end side and the right side as the rotation tip side in front view. It is said that. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the back pack unit 15 is rotatably supported on the main body frame 13, and the left side is the rotation base end side and the right side is the rotation tip side when viewed from the front. It is supposed to be movable.

Next, the front door frame 14 will be described. In the following description, FIGS. 1 to 3 will be referred to, and FIG. 5 will be referred to for the configuration of the back surface of the front door frame 14. FIG. 5 is a rear view of the front door frame 14.

The front door frame 14 is provided so as to cover the entire front surface side of the main body frame 13. The front door frame 14 is formed with a window portion 21 so that almost the entire area of the game area, which will be described later, can be visually recognized from the front. The window portion 21 has a substantially elliptical shape and is fitted with transparent glass 22. Light emitting means such as various lamps are provided around the window portion 21. For example, an annular illumination unit 23 incorporating a light emitting means such as an LED is provided along the peripheral edge of the window unit 21. The annular illumination unit 23 lights up or blinks according to a change in the gaming state at the time of a big hit or a predetermined reach. In addition, an error display lamp unit 24 that lights up when a predetermined error occurs is provided at the center of the annular illumination unit 23 and at the top of the pachinko machine 10, and a prize that lights up during the payout of the prize ball is provided on the left and right sides thereof. A ball lamp portion 25 is provided. Further, a speaker unit 26 for outputting a sound effect or the like according to the game state is provided at a position close to the left and right prize ball lamp units 25.

Below the window portion 21 in the front door frame 14, an upper bulging portion 31 and a lower bulging portion 32 bulging toward the front side are arranged vertically. An upper plate 33 that opens upward is provided inside the upper bulging portion 31, and a lower plate 34 that also opens upward is provided inside the lower bulging portion 32. The upper plate 33 has a function of temporarily storing the game balls paid out from the payout device described later and guiding them to the game ball launching mechanism side described later while arranging them in a row. Further, the lower plate 34 has a function of storing the surplus game balls in the upper plate 33.

As described above, in the pachinko machine 10, the window portion 21, the upper plate 33, and the lower plate 34 are integrated with the front door frame 14. In the conventional pachinko machine, at least the window portion and the lower plate are provided as separate units, and the window portion can rotate independently of the lower plate. Therefore, the front portion of the pachinko machine There was a boundary between each of the above units. In this case, fraudulent acts such as inserting a fraudulent jig from the boundary are assumed. Further, although it is possible to provide a fraud suppression structure for the boundary between each unit in order to suppress such fraudulent activity, this causes the configuration to become complicated. Further, it is not preferable in terms of design that a boundary is generated at the front portion of the pachinko machine. On the other hand, as described above, since the window portion 21, the upper plate 33 and the lower plate 34 are integrated with the front door frame 14, a boundary may occur between the window portion 21 and the lower plate 34. The above inconvenience is suppressed.

As shown in FIG. 1, a ball lending operation device 36 is provided on the upper bulging portion 31. The ball lending operation device 36 is provided with a ball lending button 37, a return button 38, and a frequency display unit 39. With the card or the like inserted in the ball lending device Y, the ball lending operation device 36 can perform a ball lending operation, a card return operation, and a confirmation of the card frequency. That is, the ball lending button 37 is operated to obtain a lending ball based on the information recorded on the card or the like (recording medium), and the lending ball is paid out as long as the remaining amount exists on the card or the like. The return button 38 is operated when requesting the return of the card or the like inserted in the ball lending device Y. The frequency display unit 39 displays the balance information of the card or the like.

A game ball launch handle 41 is provided on the right side of the lower bulging portion 32 so as to project toward the front side. By operating the game ball launch handle 41, the game ball is launched from the game ball launch mechanism described later.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, a passage forming unit 50 is attached to the back surface of the front door frame 14. The passage forming unit 50 is formed of synthetic resin, and a front door side upper plate passage 51 leading to the upper plate 33 and a front door side lower plate passage 52 leading to the lower plate 34 are formed. In the passage forming unit 50, a receiving portion 53 projecting rearward and opening upward is formed in the upper corner portion thereof, and the front door side upper plate is formed by partitioning the receiving portion 53 to the left and right by a partition wall 54. The passage 51 and the entrance portion of the lower plate passage 52 on the front door side are formed. The front door side upper plate passage 51 and the front door side lower plate passage 52 are connected to the game ball distribution section described later on the upstream side, and the game balls entering the front door side upper plate passage 51 are guided to the upper plate 33 and front. The game ball that has entered the door-side lower plate passage 52 is guided to the lower plate 34.

As shown in FIG. 5, the passage forming unit 50 is provided with a full tank detection sensor 59 so as to detect a game ball passing through the lower plate passage 52 on the front door side. The full tank detection sensor 59 is composed of a magnetic detection type proximity sensor, and detects a change in the magnetic field when the game ball passes within the detection range and outputs it as an electric signal. The full tank detection sensor 59 is not limited to the magnetic detection type proximity sensor, and is arbitrary as long as it can detect the game ball. For example, a photo sensor, a limit sensor, or the like may be used. ..

The full tank detection sensor 59 outputs an electric signal to the payout control device 242 described later. Specifically, the LOW level signal is output when the game ball is not detected, and the HI level signal is output when the game ball is detected. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to this, and the HI level signal may be output when the game ball is not detected, and the LOW level signal may be output when the game ball is detected. The electric signal may be output only in the state where the above is detected.

The payout control device 242 identifies whether or not the lower plate 34 is in the full tank state based on the detection result of the full tank detection sensor 59. Specifically, when the detection state of the game ball by the full tank detection sensor 59 is continued until a predetermined period elapses, the lower plate 34 is specified to be in the full tank state. When the lower plate 34 is specified to be full in the payout control device 242, the payout of the game ball by the payout device 224 is stopped. As a result, when the lower plate 34 is full and the game balls are connected to the position of the full tank detection sensor 59 in the lower plate passage 52 on the front door side, the payout of more game balls is stopped. The suspension of such payout is released based on the fact that the full tank state of the lower plate 34 is released and the game ball is not detected by the full tank detection sensor 59. Further, when the payout control device 242 specifies that the lower plate 34 is in a full tank state, a notification process corresponding to the full tank is executed.

On the rotation base end side (right side in FIG. 5) on the back surface of the front door frame 14, protrusion shafts 61 and 62 are provided at the upper end and the lower end thereof. These protrusion shafts 61 and 62 form an assembly mechanism for the main body frame 13. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of hook metal fittings 63 extending rearward are arranged side by side in the vertical direction on the rotation tip side (left side in FIG. 5) on the back surface of the front door frame 14. These hook fittings 63 form a locking mechanism for the main body frame 13.

Next, the main body frame 13 will be described in detail. FIG. 6 is a front view of the main body frame 13.

The main body frame 13 is mainly composed of a resin base 71 having an outer shape substantially the same as that of the outer frame 11. Support brackets 72 and 73 are attached to the upper end and the lower end of the rotation base end side (left side in FIG. 6) on the front surface of the resin base 71. Although not shown, shaft holes are formed in the support metal fittings 72 and 73, and by inserting the protruding shafts 61 and 62 of the front door frame 14 into these shaft holes, the front door with respect to the main body frame 13 is inserted. The frame 14 is rotatably supported.

An insertion hole 74 for inserting a hook fitting 63 provided on the back surface of the front door frame 14 is provided on the rotation tip side (right side in FIG. 6) on the front surface of the resin base 71. The pachinko machine 10 has a configuration in which a locking device for locking the main body frame 13 and the front door frame 14 is hidden behind the main body frame 13. Therefore, when the hook metal fitting 63 is locked to the locking device through the insertion hole 74, the front door frame 14 is locked to the main body frame 13 in an unopenable manner.

A cylinder lock 75 for unlocking the locking device is installed in the lower right corner of the resin base 71. The cylinder lock 75 is integrated with the locking device, and when the key inserted into the keyhole of the cylinder lock 75 is turned to the right, the front door frame 14 is unlocked with respect to the main body frame 13. When the key inserted into the keyhole of the cylinder lock 75 is turned counterclockwise, the lock of the main body frame 13 with respect to the outer frame 11 is released.

On the upper part of the resin base 71, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, a front door frame opening switch (front body opening) that detects whether or not the front door frame 14 is open (or closed) is detected. Detection means) 78 is provided. The front door frame opening switch 78 has a pin that can appear and disappear from the front surface of the resin base 71, and when the front door frame 14 is closed with respect to the main body frame 13, the pin is pushed in to close the front door frame 14. Is detected, and when the front door frame 14 is opened with respect to the main body frame 13, the pin returns to the protruding position and the opening of the front door frame 14 is detected.

By the way, the front door frame opening switch 78 outputs a front door frame opening signal to the main control device 162 described later when the front door frame 14 is in the open state, and when the front door frame 14 is in the closed state, the said The output of the front door frame opening signal is stopped. However, the signal output mode is not limited to this, and one of the HI level signal and the LOW level signal is output when the front door frame 14 is in the open state, and the other is output when the front door frame 14 is in the closed state. May be good.

A substantially elliptical window hole 76 is formed in the central portion of the resin base 71. A game board 81 is detachably attached to the resin base 71. The game board 81 is made of plywood, and the game area formed on the front surface of the game board 81 is exposed to the front side of the main body frame 13 through the window hole 76 of the resin base 71.

Here, the configuration of the game board 81 will be described with reference to FIG. The game board 81 is formed with a plurality of large and small openings penetrating in the front-rear direction by being subjected to router processing. Each opening is provided with a general winning opening 82, a variable winning device 83, an upper operating port 84a, a lower operating port 84b, a through gate 85, a variable display unit 86, and the like. A total of three general winning openings 82 are provided, two on the left side of the game board 81 and one on the right side of the game board 81. When a game ball enters the general winning opening 82, the variable winning device 83, and the operating ports 84a and 84b, it is detected by a detection sensor described later, and a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out based on the detection result. In addition, an out port 87 is provided at the lowermost portion of the game board 81, and a game ball that does not enter various winning openings or the like is discharged from the game area through the out port 87. Further, in the game board 81, a large number of nails 88 are planted in order to appropriately disperse and adjust the falling direction of the game ball, and various members (roles) such as a windmill are arranged.

The variable display unit 86 is provided with a symbol display device 91 that variably displays a symbol triggered by winning a prize in the operating ports 84a and 84b. Further, in the variable display unit 86, a center frame 92 is arranged so as to surround the symbol display device 91. A first specific lamp portion 93 and a second specific lamp portion 94 are provided on the upper portion of the center frame 92. Further, holding lamp portions 95 and 96 are provided on the upper portion and the lower portion of the center frame 92, respectively. The lower hold lamp section 95 corresponds to the symbol display device 91 and the first specific lamp section 93, and the number of times the game ball has passed through the operating port 84 is held up to four times, and the hold lamp section 95 is lit. The number of pending items is displayed. The upper holding lamp unit 96 corresponds to the second specific lamp unit 94, and the number of times the game ball has passed through the through gate 85 is held up to 4 times, and the number of holdings is displayed by lighting the holding lamp unit 96. It has become so.

The symbol display device 91 is configured as a liquid crystal display device provided with a liquid crystal display, and the display content is controlled by a display control device described later. On the symbol display device 91, for example, symbols are displayed side by side on the left, middle, and right, and these symbols are variably displayed so as to be scrolled in the vertical direction. Then, when a predetermined combination of symbols is stopped and displayed on the preset effective line, a special gaming state (hereinafter referred to as a jackpot) will occur.

In the first specific lamp unit 93, the emission colors are switched in a predetermined order triggered by winning the operating ports 84a and 84b, and when the stop display is performed in a predetermined color, a big hit occurs. Further, in the second specific lamp unit 94, the emission color is switched in a predetermined order triggered by the winning of the game ball to the through gate 85, and when the stop display is displayed in a predetermined color, the lower operating port The electric accessory 89 attached to the 84b is opened for a predetermined time.

By the way, in the lower operating port (lottery opportunity passing portion or lottery opportunity entry section) 84b, the electric accessory 89 as an opening / closing type entry assisting device (ball entry assisting means) or opening / closing member (opening / closing means) is open ( In the case of the assisted state), the ball can be entered or easily entered, and in the closed state (non-assisted state), the ball cannot be entered or it becomes difficult to enter the ball.

The variable winning device (special winning device or special winning means) 83 has an opening / closing door as an opening / closing member (opening / closing means) in a closed state in which a game ball cannot normally win (win) or is difficult to win (win). In the case of a big hit, the game ball can be switched to a predetermined open state where it is easy to win (win). As an opening mode of the variable winning device 83, the variable winning device 83 repeats with the passage of a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winnings as one round and a plurality of rounds (for example, 15 rounds) as an upper limit. It is generally open.

An inner rail portion 101 and an outer rail portion 102 are attached to the game board 81, and a guide rail is formed by the inner rail portion 101 and the outer rail portion 102, and is launched from a game ball launch mechanism described later. The game ball is guided to the upper part of the game area.

As shown in FIG. 6, the game ball launching mechanism 110 is attached below the window hole 76 in the resin base 71. The game ball launch mechanism 110 includes an electromagnetic solenoid 111, a launch rail 112, and a ball feed mechanism 113, and the output shaft of the solenoid 111 moves in the expansion / contraction direction by inputting an electric signal to the solenoid 111. , The ball feed mechanism 113 launches the game ball placed on the launch rail 112 toward the game area.

There is a gap at a predetermined interval between the launch rail 112 and the inner and outer rail portions 101 and 102 attached to the game board 81, and below this gap is formed in the passage forming unit 50 of the front door frame 14. A foul ball passage 55 is arranged. Therefore, if the game ball launched from the game ball launch mechanism 110 does not reach the upper part of the game area and reverts to the guide rail composed of the inner and outer rail portions 101 and 102, the foul ball will move back. Enter the foul ball passage 55. The foul ball passage 55 leads to the lower plate passage 52 on the front door side, and the game ball that has entered the foul ball passage 55 is discharged to the lower plate 34.

On the left side of the launch rail 112 in the resin base 71, a passage forming portion 121 is provided so as to penetrate the resin base 71 in the front-rear direction. As shown in FIG. 3, the passage forming portion 121 is formed with a main body side upper plate passage 122 and a main body side lower plate passage 123. The upstream side of the main body side upper plate passage 122 and the main body side lower plate passage 123 leads to a game ball distribution section described later. Further, the receiving portion 53 of the passage forming unit 50 attached to the front door frame 14 is inserted below the passage forming portion 121, and the front door side upper plate passage 51 is below the main body side upper plate passage 122. The front door side upper plate passage 51 is arranged below the main body side lower plate passage 123.

In the resin base 71, below the passage forming portion 121, an opening / closing member 124 for opening and closing the main body side upper plate passage 122 and the main body side lower plate passage 123 is attached. The opening / closing member 124 is rotatably supported in the front-rear direction by a support shaft 125 provided at the lower end thereof, and is further urged at a front position for closing the main body side upper plate passage 122 and the main body side lower plate passage 123. An urging member is provided. Therefore, when the front door frame 14 is opened with respect to the main body frame 13, the opening / closing member 124 rises as shown in the drawing and closes the main body side upper plate passage 122 and the main body side lower plate passage 123. As a result, when the front door frame 14 is opened while the game balls are stored in the main body side upper plate passage 122 or the main body side lower plate passage 123, the inconvenience that the stored balls are spilled can be prevented. On the other hand, when the front door frame 14 is closed, the opening / closing member 124 is pushed open against the urging force by the receiving portion 53 provided in the passage forming unit 50 of the front door frame 14. In this state, the main body side upper plate passage 122 and the front door side upper plate passage 51 communicate with each other, and the main body side lower plate passage 123 and the front door side lower plate passage 52 communicate with each other.

Next, the back configuration of the main body frame 13 will be described. FIG. 8 is a rear view of the main body frame 13.

A locking device 131 is provided on the rotating tip side (left side in FIG. 8) on the back surface of the resin base 71, and the locking device 131 is interlocked with the key operation on the cylinder lock 75, and the main body frame 13 and the front door The frame 14 is unlocked.

A bearing fitting 132 is attached to the rotation base end side (right side in FIG. 8) on the back surface of the resin base 71. Bearing portions 133 are formed on the bearing fitting 132 so as to be separated from each other in the vertical direction, and the back pack unit 15 is rotatably attached to the main body frame 13 by these bearing portions 133. Further, on the back surface of the resin base 71, a hole 134 for fastening the back pack unit 15 to the main body frame 13 is provided.

A plurality of locking metal fittings 135 are provided on the back surface of the resin base 71, and the game board 81 is attached to the resin base 71 by these locking metal fittings 135 as described above. Here, the configuration of the back surface of the game board 81 will be described. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the game board 81 as viewed from the rear, and FIG. 10 is a rear view showing a state in which the main control unit 160 is removed from the game board 81.

The variable display unit 86 arranged in the center of the game board 81 is provided with a synthetic resin frame cover 141 that covers the center frame 92 from behind, and is provided so as to project rearward from the rear side with respect to the frame cover 141. The symbol display device 91 described above is attached, and a display control device for driving the symbol display device is attached (not shown). The symbol display device 91 and the display control device are arranged so as to be stacked in the front-rear direction (the symbol display device is in front and the display control device is in back), and the voice lamp control device unit 142 is mounted behind the symbol display device 91 and the display control device. The voice lamp control device unit 142 is configured to include a voice lamp control device 143 and a mounting base 144, and the voice lamp control device 143 is mounted on the mounting base 144.

The voice lamp control device 143 includes a voice lamp control board that controls voice and lamp display and control of the display control device according to instructions from the main control device described later, and the voice lamp control board is made of a transparent resin material or the like. It is housed in a board box 145.

On the back surface of the game board 81, as shown in FIG. 10, a collecting plate unit 150 is provided below the variable display unit 86. The collecting plate unit 150 is provided with a game ball collection mechanism for collecting the game balls that have won in various winning openings, a winning detection mechanism for detecting the winning of the game balls in various winning openings, and the like. ..

Explaining the game ball collection mechanism, the collecting plate unit 150 collects the general winning opening 82, the variable winning device 83, and the operating ports 84a and 84b in one place on the downstream side corresponding to the opening of the game board. A passage 151 is formed. Therefore, all the game balls that have won the general winning opening 82 or the like are gathered below the game board 81 through the collection passage 151. Below the game board 81, there is a discharge passage described later, and the game balls gathered below the game board 81 are led out into the discharge passage by the collection passage 151. The out port 87 is also connected to the discharge passage, and a game ball that has not won a prize in any of the winning ports is also led out into the discharge passage through the out port 87.

Explaining the winning detection mechanism, the collecting plate unit 150 is provided with winning opening sensors 152a to 152c at positions corresponding to the general winning openings 82 on the front side of the game board 81, respectively. Further, a count sensor 153 is provided at a position corresponding to the variable winning device 83, and operation port sensors 154a and 154b are provided at positions corresponding to the respective operation ports 84a and 84b, respectively. Further, on the right side of the variable display unit 86 outside the collecting plate unit 150, a gate sensor 155 for detecting a game ball passing through the through gate 85 is provided. The winning of the game ball is detected by the sensors 152 to 155 as these ball detection sensors (game medium detection means). These sensors 152 to 155 output an electric signal to the main control device 162 described later. Specifically, the HI level signal is output when the game ball is not detected, and the LOW level signal is output when the game ball is detected. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to this, and the LOW level signal may be output when the game ball is not detected, and the HI level signal may be output when the game ball is detected. The electric signal may be output only in the state where the above is detected.

On the back surface of the game board 81, the main control device unit 160 is mounted so as to cover the collecting plate unit 150 from the rear side. The configuration of the main controller unit 160 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the main controller unit 160.

The main control device unit 160 has a mounting base 161 made of synthetic resin, and the main control device 162 is mounted on the mounting base 161. The main control device 162 includes a main control board having a function of controlling the main control of the game (main control circuit) and a function of monitoring the power supply (power failure monitoring circuit), and the main control board is made of a transparent resin material. It is configured to be housed in a substrate box 163 made of the above.

The substrate box 163 includes a box base (front case body) having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and a box cover (back case body) that covers the opening of the box base. The box base and the box cover are unopenably connected by a sealing portion 164 as a sealing means, whereby the substrate box 163 is sealed. Five sealing portions 164 are provided on the long side portion of the substrate box 163, and at least one of them is used to perform the sealing process.

Any configuration can be applied to the sealing portion 164 as long as the box base and the box cover cannot be opened, but the box base and the box cover can be provided by inserting a locking claw into the elongated hole constituting the sealing portion 164. And are combined so that they cannot be opened. The sealing process by the sealing unit 164 prevents unauthorized opening after the sealing, and makes it possible to detect such a situation early and easily even if the unauthorized opening is performed, and once the seal is opened. Even after this, it is possible to perform the sealing process again. That is, the sealing process is performed by inserting the locking claw into at least one elongated hole of the five sealing portions 164. When the board box 163 is opened, such as when a defect occurs in the housed main control board or when the main control board is inspected, the connecting portion between the sealing portion into which the locking claw is inserted and another sealing portion is connected. Disconnect. As a result, the box base of the board box 163 and the box cover are separated, and the main control board inside can be taken out. After that, when the sealing process is performed again, the locking claw is inserted into the elongated hole of the other sealing portion. If the history of opening the board box 163 is left in the board box 163, it is easy to find out that the illegal opening has been performed by looking at the board box 163.

A plurality of coupling pieces 165 are provided on one short side of the substrate box 163 so as to project laterally. These coupling pieces 165 have a one-to-one correspondence with a plurality of bonded pieces 166 formed on the mounting base 161, and the coupling piece 165 and the coupling piece 166 form a one-to-one correspondence between the substrate box 163 and the mounting base 161. Sealing process is performed.

Next, the back pack unit 15 will be described. FIG. 12 is a front view of the back pack unit 15, and FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the back pack unit 15.

The back pack unit 15 includes a back pack 201, and a payout mechanism unit 202, a discharge passage board 203, and a control device collecting unit 204 are attached to the back pack 201. The back pack 201 is formed of a transparent synthetic resin, and has a base portion 211 to which the payout mechanism portion 202 and the like are attached, and a protective cover portion 212 that protrudes rearward of the pachinko machine 10 and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The protective cover portion 212 has a shape in which the left and right side surfaces and the upper surface are closed and only the lower surface is open, and has a size sufficient to surround at least the variable display unit 86.

The base portion 211 is provided with an external terminal plate 213 on the upper right portion thereof. Various output terminals are provided on the external terminal plate 213, and various signals are output to the management control device on the game hall side through these output terminals.

The base portion 211 is provided with a main body frame opening switch (main body opening detecting means) 217 that detects whether or not the main body frame 13 is open (or closed) outside the external terminal plate 213. Has been done. When the main body frame 13 is closed with respect to the outer frame 11, the metal contact of the switch 217 is closed and the closing of the main body frame 13 is detected, and when the main body frame 13 is opened with respect to the outer frame 11, the metal contact is opened. The opening of the main body frame 13 is detected.

By the way, the main body frame opening switch 217 outputs a main body frame opening signal to the main control device 162 described later when the main body frame 13 is in the open state, and when the main body frame 13 is in the closed state, the main body frame opening signal is output. Stops the output of. However, the signal output mode is not limited to this, and one of the HI level signal and the LOW level signal may be output when the main body frame 13 is in the open state, and the other may be output when the main body frame 13 is in the closed state. Good.

Further, the base portion 211 is provided with a pair of upper and lower hooking pins 214 at the right end portion when viewed from the rear of the pachinko machine 10, and the hooking pins 214 are inserted through the bearing portion 133 provided in the main body frame 13. , The back pack unit 15 is rotatably supported with respect to the main body frame 13. Further, the base portion 211 is provided with a fastener 215 for fastening to the fastened hole 134 provided in the main body frame 13, and the main body is fitted by fitting the fastener 215 into the fastened hole 134. The back pack unit 15 is fixed to the frame 13.

The payout mechanism portion 202 is arranged on the base portion 211 so as to bypass the protective cover portion 212. That is, a tank 221 opened upward is provided at the uppermost portion of the back pack 201, and the tank 221 is sequentially replenished with game balls supplied from the island equipment of the game hall. A tank rail 222 that gently inclines toward the downstream side is connected below the tank 221 and a case rail 223 that extends in the vertical direction is connected to the downstream side of the tank rail 222. Further, a payout device 224 is provided at the most downstream portion of the case rail 223.

As shown in FIG. 12, the case rail 223 is provided with a ball non-detection sensor 223a so as to detect a game ball connected from the tank 221 to the payout device 224 through a passage in the case rail 223. The ball non-detection sensor 223a is composed of a magnetic detection type proximity sensor, and detects a change in the magnetic field when the game ball passes within the detection range and outputs it as an electric signal. The ball non-detection sensor 223a is not limited to the magnetic detection type proximity sensor, and is arbitrary as long as it can detect a game ball. For example, a photo sensor or a limit sensor may be used. ..

The ball non-detection sensor 223a outputs an electric signal to the payout control device 242 described later. Specifically, the LOW level signal is output when the game ball is not detected, and the HI level signal is output when the game ball is detected. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to this, and the HI level signal may be output when the game ball is not detected, and the LOW level signal may be output when the game ball is detected. The electric signal may be output only in the state where the above is detected.

The payout control device 242 specifies whether or not the tank 221 is in the ball-free state based on the detection result of the ball-less detection sensor 223a. Specifically, when the non-detection state of the game ball by the ball non-detection sensor 223a continues until a predetermined period elapses, the tank 221 is specified to be in the ball-free state. When the payout control device 242 specifies that the tank 221 is in a ballless state, the payout device 224 stops paying out the game balls. This prevents the payout device 224 from continuing to operate even though the tank 221 is in a ballless state. The stop of the payout operation is released when the ballless state of the tank 221 is released and the game ball is detected by the ball non-detection sensor 223a. Further, when the payout control device 242 identifies that the tank 221 is in a ballless state, the corresponding notification process is executed. In addition, even when the ball is clogged in the tank 221 and the game ball does not flow to the payout device 224 side, it is specified that the ball is in a non-ball state.

Further, the case rail 223 is provided with a ball removal operation switch 223b. For example, when the game balls stored in the tank 221 are discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 10, the ball removal operation switch 223b is pressed when all the game balls on the case rail 223 are also discharged, and the case rail 223 and its downstream side are pressed. It is possible to discharge the game balls stored in the. The location of the ball removal operation switch 223b is not limited to the case rail 223, and may be installed, for example, in the payout control device 242.

The payout device 224 executes the payout of the game ball. Here, the configuration of the payout device 224 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a passage structure formed inside the payout device 224. In FIG. 14, the game ball flowing down inside the payout device 224 is shown by a two-dot chain line.

The housing 251 of the payout device 224 is formed at the upper end thereof with a game ball inlet 252 for taking in the game ball supplied from the case rail 223, and further, a game in which the ball enters from the game ball inlet 252. A game ball passage 253 for passing the ball is provided.

The game ball passage 253 leads to the game ball outlet 254 formed at the lower end of the housing 251. The game balls entered from the game ball entrance 252 flow down one by one toward the game ball outlet 254. An accommodating portion 255 whose passage width is widened to the left and right is provided in the middle portion of the game ball passage 253, and the rotating body 256 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 255. The center of the rotating body 256 is fixed to the output shaft 257a of the payout motor 257.

The payout motor 257 is composed of a stepping motor, and the output shaft 257a is rotationally driven in a predetermined direction (clockwise direction (forward rotation direction) or counterclockwise direction (reverse rotation direction) as seen in FIG. 14). The output shaft 257a is set to advance one step by giving a drive signal of one pulse and make one rotation by giving a drive signal of 120 pulses. The payout motor 257 is housed in the housing 251.

On the peripheral edge of the rotating body 256, recesses 256a are formed at two locations at 180 ° intervals. The concave portion 256a has a curved surface shape, and its curvature is about the same as the curvature of the game ball. Further, the distance between the portion between the recess 256a on the peripheral edge of the rotating body 256 and the passage wall of the accommodating portion 255 is shorter than the diameter dimension of the game ball, whereas the passage between the recess 256a and the accommodating portion 255. The distance to the wall is longer than the diameter of the game ball. As a result, when the game ball flowing down the game ball passage 253 reaches the recess 256a of the rotating body 256, the game ball is led out to the downstream side as the rotating body 256 rotates.

In the game ball passage 253, a payout ball detection sensor 258 having a substantially flat plate shape is installed at a position downstream of the accommodating portion 255. The payout ball detection sensor 258 is composed of a well-known magnetic detection type proximity sensor, and converts a change in the magnetic field due to the passage of the game ball through the through hole into an electric signal and outputs it. The payout ball detection sensor 258 makes it possible to confirm the number of game balls paid out via the payout device 224.

Further, although the description by illustration is omitted, the game ball passage 253 is formed so that the entrance side is formed in two rows, while the exit side is formed in one row. The rotating bodies 256 are individually provided for the passages on the entrance side of the two rows. In this case, the recesses 256a are formed at intervals of 180 ° for each passage, but the positions of the recesses 256a are formed so as to be offset from each other by 90 ° between the pair of passages. Therefore, even if the entrance side passages are arranged side by side in two rows as described above, one game ball is alternately paid out from each entrance side passage to the exit side passage. The payout cycle of the game balls to be paid out alternately becomes constant according to the driving speed of the payout motor 257. Then, the game balls that are alternately paid out one by one are detected by the payout ball detection sensor 258 provided in the passage on the exit side.

The game balls paid out from the payout device 224 are supplied to the game ball distribution unit 225 provided on the base portion 211 of the back pack 201 through a payout passage (not shown) provided on the downstream side of the payout device 224. The game ball distribution unit 225 has a function for distributing the game balls paid out from the payout device 224 to any of the upper plate 33, the lower plate 34, or the discharge passage described later, and the inner opening 226 is described above. The upper plate passage 122 on the main body side and the upper plate passage 51 on the front door side lead to the upper plate 33, and the central opening 227 reaches the lower plate 34 via the lower plate passage 123 on the main body side and the lower plate passage 52 on the front door side. The outer opening 228 is formed so as to lead to the discharge passage.

A back pack substrate 229 is installed in the payout mechanism unit 202. For example, a main power supply of 24 volts AC is supplied to the back pack board 229, and the power is turned on or off by the switching operation of the power switch 229a.

A discharge passage board 203 and a control device assembly unit 204 are attached to the lower end portion of the base portion 211 so as to sandwich the lower end portion back and forth. The discharge passage board 203 is formed with a discharge passage 231 opened rearward on a surface facing the control device collecting unit 204, and the open portion of the discharge passage 231 is closed by the control device collecting unit 204. The discharge passage 231 is formed so as to discharge the game ball to the island facility or the like of the game hall, and the game ball led out from the above-mentioned collection passage 151 or the like to the discharge passage 231 passes through the discharge passage 231 to pachinko. It is discharged to the outside of the machine 10.

The control device assembly unit 204 has a horizontally long mounting base 241, and the payout control device 242, the power supply and launch control device 243, and the ball rental connection terminal plate 249 are mounted on the mounting base 241. In these payout control device 242, power supply and launch control device 243, and ball rental connection terminal plate 249, the payout control device 242 and ball rental connection terminal plate 249 are behind the pachinko machine 10, and the power supply and launch control device 243 are the pachinko machine 10. They are stacked back and forth so that they are in front.

In the payout control device 242, a payout control board for controlling the payout device 224 is housed in a colorless and transparent board box 244. The signal of the payout command from the payout control device 242 to the payout device 224 is relayed by the back pack substrate 229 described above. Further, the payout control device 242 is provided with a state return switch 245. For example, when the state return switch 245 is pressed when a payout error occurs, such as a ball jam in the payout device 224, the ball jam is cleared. Further, a 7-segment display 242a is mounted on the payout control board, and by opening the main body frame 13 to the outer frame 11, the display contents of the 7-segment display 242a can be visually recognized through the board box 244. ing.

In the power supply and launch control device 243, the power supply and launch control board are housed in the board box 246, and the board generates and outputs predetermined electric power required by various control devices and the like, and further, a game ball by a player. The launch of the game ball is controlled according to the operation of the launch handle 41. Further, the power supply and the firing control device 243 are provided with a RAM erase switch 247. This pachinko machine 10 has a storage and retention function for various data so that it can retain the state at the time of a power failure even in the unlikely event of a power failure and can return to the state at the time of a power failure when recovering from the power failure. It has become. Therefore, if the power is shut off in the normal procedure, for example, when the game hall is closed, the state before the shutoff is stored in memory, but if the power is turned on while pressing the RAM erase switch 247, the RAM data is initialized. It has become like.

The ball lending connection terminal plate 249 is electrically connected to the ball lending device Y, the payout control device 242, and the ball lending operation device 36 on the front surface of the pachinko machine 10, and mainly takes in the command of the ball lending operation by the player and receives the command. It is output to the payout control device 242.

Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. In FIG. 15, the power supply line is indicated by a double line arrow, and the signal line is indicated by a solid line arrow.

The main control board 301 provided in the main control device 162 includes a main control circuit 302 and a power failure monitoring circuit 303 (power failure monitoring circuit). The CPU 311 is mounted on the main control circuit 302.

The CPU 311 temporarily stores various data and the like when executing a ROM 312 (nonvolatile storage means) that stores various control programs and fixed value data executed by the CPU 311 and a control program stored in the ROM 312. A RAM 313 (volatile storage means), which is a memory for storing, and various circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data input / output circuit are built in. Note that a part or all of the CPU 311, ROM 312, and RAM 313 may be provided as separate chips.

The RAM 313 is configured such that even after the power supply of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off, the storage power is supplied from the power supply and the emission control board 321 provided in the power supply and the emission control device 243 to store and retain the information.

The CPU 311 is provided with an input port and an output port, respectively. A power failure monitoring circuit 303 provided on the main control board 301, a payout control board 322 provided on the payout control device 242, and other sensor groups are connected to the input side of the CPU 311. In this case, the power supply and the launch control board 321 are connected to the power failure monitoring circuit 303, and power is supplied to the CPU 311 (main control circuit 302) via the power failure monitoring circuit 303.

On the other hand, the power failure monitoring circuit 303, the payout control board 322, and the relay terminal board 323 are connected to the output side of the CPU 311. Various commands such as a prize ball command are output to the payout control board 322. Various commands and the like are output from the main control circuit 302 to the voice lamp control board 324 provided in the voice lamp control device 143 via the relay terminal board 323.

The power failure monitoring circuit 303 relays between the main control circuit 302 and the power supply and the emission control board 321 and monitors the voltage of DC stable 24 volts, which is the maximum voltage output from the power supply and the emission control board 321. Then, when this voltage becomes less than 22 volts, it is determined that the power supply is cut off, and a power failure signal is transmitted to the main control circuit 302.

The payout control board 322 controls the payout of prize balls and the like by the payout device 224. The CPU 331, which is an arithmetic unit, includes a ROM 332 that stores a control program and fixed value data executed by the CPU 331, and a RAM 333 that is used as a work memory or the like. A part or all of the CPU 331, ROM 332, and RAM 333 may be provided as separate chips.

The CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 is provided with an input / output port. A main control circuit 302, a power supply and emission control board 321 and a back pack board 229 are connected to the input side of the CPU 331. Further, a main control circuit 302 and a back pack board 229 are connected to the output side of the CPU 331.

The power supply and launch control board 321 includes a power supply unit 321a for power-on and a launch control unit 321b. The power-on power supply unit 321a is connected to, for example, a commercial power supply (external power supply) in a game hall or the like. Then, the operating power required for each of the main control circuit 302, the payout control board 322, and the like is generated based on the external power supplied from the commercial power source, and the generated operating power is indicated by a double line arrow. It is supplied to the main control circuit 302, the payout control board 322, and the like through the route. As an outline, the power supply unit 321a at the time of power-on takes in AC 24-volt power supply supplied via the back pack board 229, + 12V power for driving various sensors, motors, etc., + 5V power for logic, etc. Is generated, and these + 12V power and + 5V power are supplied to the main control circuit 302, the payout control board 322, and the like.

The launch control unit 321b is responsible for launch control of the game ball launch mechanism 110 according to the operation of the game ball launch handle 41 by the player, and the game ball launch mechanism 110 is driven when predetermined launch conditions are met. To.

Further, a power supply unit 321c for power failure is mounted on the power supply and launch control board 321. The power supply unit 321c for power interruption is composed of a capacitor, and when the power supply of the pachinko machine 10 is ON (when power is supplied from an external power supply), the power supplied from the power supply unit 321a for power supply is used. It will be charged. Further, in a power cut state (when the power supply from the external power supply is cut off) such as when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is OFF or when a power failure occurs in the commercial power supply, the power is discharged from the power supply unit 321c for power failure. The storage holding power is supplied to the RAM 313 of the control board 301. Therefore, even in such a situation, the information stored in the RAM 313 is stored and retained without being erased while the storage and holding power is being supplied from the power supply unit 321c at the time of power failure.

Incidentally, the capacity of the power supply unit 321c at the time of power failure is secured to be relatively large, and the information stored in the RAM 313 before the power is cut off is retained within a predetermined period (for example, one or two days). Further, the power supply unit for power failure is not limited to the capacitor, and may be a battery, a non-rechargeable battery, or the like. In the case of a non-rechargeable battery, it is not necessary to store electricity in the power supply means for power failure when the power supply of the pachinko machine 10 is ON, but it is necessary to replace the battery periodically.

Further, the power supply and the launch control board 321 are provided with a power supply unit for power failure processing, which is different from the power supply unit 321c for power failure. In the power supply and launch control board 321, even after the DC stable 24 volt power supply becomes less than 22 volts, the power supply unit for power failure processing discharges the power for a sufficient period of time to execute the power failure processing described later. , It is configured to maintain the output of 5 volts, which is the drive power supply for the control system, at a normal value. As a result, the main control circuit 302 and the like can normally execute and complete the power failure processing.

The audio lamp control board 324 controls various lamp units 23 to 25, the speaker unit 26, and the display control device 325. The CPU 341, which is an arithmetic unit, includes a ROM 342 that stores a control program and fixed value data executed by the CPU 341, and a RAM 343 that is used as a work memory or the like.

The CPU 341 of the audio lamp control board 324 is provided with an input / output port. The main control circuit 302 is connected to the input side of the CPU 341 by being relayed to the relay terminal plate 323, and based on various commands output from the main control circuit 302, various lamp units 23 to 25, speaker units 26, and The display control device 325 is controlled. The display control device 325 controls the symbol display device 91 based on a display command input from the voice lamp control board 324.

Next, the display contents of the symbol display device 91 will be described with reference to FIG.

Three symbol rows, left, middle, and right, are set in the symbol display device 91. Each symbol sequence is composed of, for example, a main symbol with numbers "0" to "9", and a sub symbol composed of, for example, a diamond-shaped symbol. Each of the main symbol and the sub symbol constitutes the first symbol. In each symbol row, the main symbols are arranged in ascending or descending order of numbers, and sub-symbols are arranged between the main symbols. That is, each symbol row is provided with a total of 20 first symbols, 10 main symbols and 10 sub-symbols. Then, on the symbol display device 91, 20 first symbols for each symbol row are variably displayed so as to scroll from top to bottom with periodicity. On the symbol display device 91, the first symbol in three stages of upper, middle, and lower is displayed for each symbol row. Therefore, the symbol display device 91 displays a total of nine first symbols in three rows × three rows. Further, the symbol display device 91 is set with five effective lines, that is, an upper line L1, a middle line L2, a lower line L3, a right rising line L4, and a left rising line L5. Then, the variable display is stopped in the order of the left symbol row → the right symbol row → the middle symbol row, and at the time of the stop, the jackpot symbol combination (in the present embodiment, the same main symbol combination) is performed on one of the effective lines. If they are aligned, the jackpot video will be displayed as a jackpot.

Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 10 configured as described above will be described.

In the present embodiment, the CPU 311 in the main control device 162 uses various counter information during the game to perform a big hit lottery, set the emission color of the first specific lamp unit 93, set the symbol display of the symbol display device 91, and the like. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 17, the jackpot random number counter C1 used for the jackpot lottery and the jackpot type counter C2 used for determining the jackpot type such as the probabilistic jackpot or the normal jackpot. The reach random number counter C3 used for the reach lottery when the symbol display device 91 deviates and fluctuates, the random number initial value counter CINI used for setting the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1, and the fluctuation pattern selection of the symbol display device 91. The first variation type counter CS1 to be used, the second variation type counter CS2 for determining the period for switching the color displayed on the first specific lamp unit 93, and the outliers of the left column, middle column, and right column. The left, middle, and right off-design counters CL, CM, and CR used for the setting are used.

Of these, the counters C1 to C3, CINI, CS1 and CS2 are loop counters in which 1 is added to the previous value each time the counter is updated, and the counter returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value. Further, the off-symbol counters CL, CM, and CR have a configuration in which register values are added using the R register (refresh register) in the CPU 311 and as a result, the numerical values change randomly. Each counter is updated at short intervals, and the updated value is appropriately stored in a counter area set in a predetermined area of the RAM 313. The RAM 313 is provided with a holding ball storage area consisting of one execution area and four holding areas (holding first to fourth areas), and in each of these areas, games to the operating ports 84a and 84b are provided. Each value of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 is stored in chronological order according to the winning history of the ball.

More specifically, the jackpot random number counter C1 is configured to add 1 in order within the range of 0 to 676, and return to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 676). In particular, when the jackpot random number counter C1 makes one round, the value of the random number initial value counter CINI at that time is read as the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1. The random number initial value counter CINI is a loop counter similar to the jackpot random number counter C1 (value = 0 to 676). The jackpot random number counter C1 is periodically updated (once for each timer interrupt in this embodiment), and is stored in the reserved ball storage area of the RAM 313 at the timing when the game ball wins the operating ports 84a and 84b.

The jackpot type counter C2 is configured to be incremented by 1 in order within the range of 0 to 49, reach the maximum value (that is, 49), and then return to 0. Then, in the present embodiment, the jackpot type counter C2 determines whether to enter the probabilistic state or the normal state after the jackpot is completed. The jackpot type counter C2 is periodically updated (once for each timer interrupt in this embodiment), and is stored in the reserved ball storage area of the RAM 313 at the timing when the game balls win the operating ports 84a and 84b.

The reach random number counter C3 is configured to be incremented by 1 in order within the range of 0 to 238, and return to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 238). In the present embodiment, the reach random number counter C3 causes the final stop symbol to be shifted by one before and after the reach symbol to stop, and the final stop symbol after the reach is generated to be the reach symbol. A lottery will be drawn for "reach other than front and rear deviation" that stops at other than before and after, and "complete deviation" that does not cause reach. The reach random number counter C3 is periodically updated (once for each timer interrupt in the present embodiment), and is stored in the reserved ball storage area of the RAM 313 at the timing when the game ball wins the operating ports 84a and 84b.

The first variation type counter CS1 is configured to be added one by one in order within the range of 0 to 198, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 198). The second variation type counter CS2 is, for example, In the range of 0 to 240, 1 is added in order, and after reaching the maximum value (that is, 240), it returns to 0. The display mode of the symbol display device 91 such as the reach type of the first symbol and other rough symbol variation modes such as so-called normal reach, super reach, premium reach, etc. is determined by the first variation type counter CS1, and the display mode of the symbol display device 91 is determined by the second variation type counter CS2. , The switching display time as the period for switching the color displayed on the first specific lamp unit 93 is determined. Further, this switching display time corresponds to the fluctuation time of the symbol of the symbol display device 91. Therefore, from the elapsed time (in other words, the number of variable symbols) until the final stop symbol (middle symbol in the present embodiment) is stopped after the reach is generated in the symbol display device 91 by the second variable type counter CS2. The fine pattern variation mode will also be determined. That is, with respect to the symbol display device 91, by combining these two fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2, it is possible to easily realize a wide variety of fluctuation patterns. Both variable type counters CS1 and CS2 are updated once each time the normal processing described later is executed once, and are repeatedly updated even within the remaining time in the normal processing. Then, the area values of both fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 are acquired when the fluctuation pattern is determined at the start of color switching displayed on the first specific lamp unit 93 and at the start of fluctuation of the first symbol by the symbol display device 91.

The left, middle, and right deviated symbol counters CL, CM, and CR determine the disengagement stop symbol of the left column 1st symbol, the middle column 1st symbol, and the right column 1st symbol when the jackpot lottery is missed. In each column, any one of the 20 first symbols including the main symbol and the sub symbol is displayed, so 20 (0 to 19) counter values are prepared for each. The upper, middle, and lower symbols of the left symbol row are determined by the off symbol counter CL, the upper, middle, and lower symbols of the middle symbol row are determined by the off symbol counter CM, and the right symbol row is determined by the off symbol counter CR. The upper, middle, and lower symbols are determined.

In the present embodiment, the values of the counters CL, CM, and CR are randomly updated by using the numerical value of the R register built in the CPU 311. That is, when each of the outlier symbol counters CL, CM, and CR is updated, the value of the lower 3 bits of the R register is added to the previous value, and when the addition result exceeds the maximum value, 20 is subtracted to determine the current value. To. The out-of-order symbol counters CL, CM, and CR are updated in the normal process so that the update times do not overlap, and the combination of the out-of-order symbol counters CL, CM, and CR is the reach of the RAM 313, which is the front-rear reach symbol area, and the reach other than the front-rear reach. It is stored in either the symbol area or the completely off symbol area. Then, when determining the fluctuation pattern at the start of fluctuation of the first symbol, the area value of any of the front-rear out-of-reach reach symbol area, the non-front-back out-of-reach symbol area, and the completely out-of-order symbol area is acquired according to the value of the reach random number counter C3. Random numbers.

Although not shown, the second specific lamp random number counter is used for the lottery of the second specific lamp unit 94. The second symbol random number counter is configured as a loop counter that is incremented by 1 in order within the range of 0 to 250, reaches the maximum value (that is, 250), and then returns to 0. The second specific lamp random number counter is periodically updated (once for each timer interrupt in the present embodiment), and is acquired when it is detected that the game ball has passed through the through gate 85.

Next, each control process executed by the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 18 to 22 and the like. The processing of the CPU 311 is roughly divided into a main processing that is started when the power is turned on, a timer interrupt processing that is started periodically (at a cycle of 2 msec in this embodiment), and a power failure signal to the NMI terminal (non-maskable terminal). There is an NMI interrupt process that is activated by the input of, and for convenience of explanation, the NMI interrupt process and the timer interrupt process will be described first, and then the main process will be described.

FIG. 18 shows an NMI interrupt process, which is executed when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off due to a power failure or the like. That is, when the power supply of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, a power failure signal is output from the power failure monitoring circuit 303 to the NMI terminal of the CPU 311, and the CPU 311 interrupts the running control and starts the NMI interrupt process. .. In the NMI interrupt process, the power failure flag is stored in the power failure flag storage area provided in the RAM 313 in step S101, and this process ends. After that, by confirming that the power failure flag is stored in the normal processing described later, the power failure processing is executed.

Next, the timer interrupt processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, in step S201, the reading process is executed. In the reading process, signal reading processing from sensors related to winning a game ball, such as winning opening sensors 152a to 152c, count sensor 153, operating opening sensors 154a, 154b, and gate sensor 155, is executed. The details of the signal reading process will be described later.

After that, in step S202, the random number initial value counter CINI is updated. Specifically, the random number initial value counter CINI is added by 1, and when the counter value reaches the maximum value (676 in the present embodiment), it is cleared to 0. Then, the updated value of the random number initial value counter CINI is stored in the corresponding area of the RAM 313. In the following step S203, the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 are updated. Specifically, the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 are each added by 1, and their counter values reach the maximum values (676, 49, 238, respectively in the present embodiment). Clear each to 0. Then, the updated values of the counters C1 to C3 are stored in the corresponding area of the RAM 313. After that, the start winning process is executed in step S204.

In the start winning process, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 20, first, in step S301, the game ball moves into the operating port 84a by determining whether or not the operating port flag is stored in the operating port flag storage area of the RAM 313. , 84b is determined whether or not a prize (starting prize) has been won. When it is determined that the game balls have won the operating ports 84a and 84b, in the following step S302, the number of operation-holding balls N of the first specific lamp unit 93 and the symbol display device 91 is less than the upper limit value (4 in the present embodiment). Determine if it exists. The process proceeds to step S303 on condition that the operating ports 84a and 84b have been won and the number of operating holding balls N <4, and the number of operating holding balls N is added by 1. After the process of step S303, the operation port flag is cleared. In the following step S304, the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 updated in step S203 are stored in the first free storage area of the reserved ball storage area of the RAM 313. Then, after the start winning process, the CPU 311 temporarily ends the timer interrupt process.

Next, the main process started by resetting when the power is turned on will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, in step S401, a start-up process is executed when the power is turned on. Specifically, for example, about 500 msec is waited for the slave side control board (payout control board 322, etc.) to be in an operable state.

In the following step S402, it is determined whether or not 1 sec, which is the permission prohibition period, has elapsed since the start-up process of step S401. If 1 sec has not elapsed, the process of step S402 is executed again. The measurement of this time is performed by counting the number of processes in step S402. For example, if the time required from the negative determination in step S402 to the execution of the process of step S402 again is 0.1 msec, the count value becomes 10,000 times, so that after the start-up process of step S401 It is determined that 1 sec has passed since. The specific configuration of the time measurement is arbitrary, and for example, the time may be measured using a real-time clock. If it is determined in step S402 that 1 sec has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S403.

In step S403, access to the RAM 313 is permitted. After that, in step S404, it is determined whether or not the RAM erase switch 247 provided in the power supply and firing control device 243 is turned on, and in the following step S405, whether or not the power failure flag is stored in the power failure flag storage area of the RAM 313. To judge. Further, in step S406, the RAM determination value is calculated, and in the subsequent step S407, it is determined whether or not the RAM determination value matches the RAM determination value saved when the power is cut off, that is, the validity of the stored data is determined. The RAM determination value is, for example, a checksum value at the work area address of the RAM 313. It is also possible to determine the validity of the stored data based on whether or not the keywords written in the predetermined area of the RAM 313 are correctly stored.

As described above, in the pachinko machine 10, when the RAM data is initialized when the power is turned on, for example, when the hall is open for business, the power is turned on while pressing the RAM erase switch 247. Therefore, if the RAM erase switch 247 is pressed, the process proceeds to steps S408 to S409. Further, when the power cutoff occurrence information is not set, or when an abnormality in the stored data is confirmed by the RAM determination value (checksum value or the like), the process proceeds to steps S408 to S409 in the same manner.

In step S408, the used area of RAM 313 is cleared to 0, and in step S409, the initialization process of RAM 313 is executed. After that, the initial command is output to the payout control board 322 in step S410, interrupt permission is set in step S411, and the process proceeds to the normal process described later. The CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 recognizes that communication with the main control board 301 is normally performed by inputting an initial command from the main control board 301.

On the other hand, when the RAM erase switch 247 is not pressed, the power failure flag is stored in step S412, provided that the power failure flag is stored and the RAM determination value (checksum value, etc.) is normal. Clear the power failure flag stored in the area. After that, the initial command is output in step S410, interrupt enable is set in step S411, and the process proceeds to normal processing described later. As a result, the state before the power is cut off is restored.

Next, the normal processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In this normal process, the main process of the game is executed. As an outline, the processes of steps S501 to S509 are executed as periodic processes having a cycle of 4 msec, and the counter update processes of steps S511 and S512 are executed in the remaining time.

In the normal process, in step S501, both variable type counters CS1 and CS2 are updated. Specifically, both variable type counters CS1 and CS2 are added by 1, and when the counter values reach the maximum values (198 and 240 in the present embodiment), they are cleared to 0, respectively. Then, the updated values of both fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 are stored in the corresponding area of the RAM 313. In the following step S502, the left symbol row, the middle symbol row, and the right symbol row are updated with the outlier symbol counters CL, CM, and CR.

In the update processing of the out-of-symbol symbol counters CL, CM, and CR, it is determined whether or not it is the update time of any of the left, middle, and right symbol columns, and the out-of-symbol symbol counters CL, CM, and CR of the symbol strings that have been updated are set. Update. The outlier symbol counters CL, CM, and CR are updated one by one in one normal process without duplication, and one set of outlier symbol counters CL, CM, and CR is added every time the normal process is executed three times. It is supposed to be updated. Then, when the combination of the updated out-of-design counters CL, CM, and CR is a combination of out-of-reach symbols that will reach the front-back out, and if it is a combination of reach symbols other than the front-back out, the combination of the completely out-of-line symbols that does not reach If there is, the combination is stored in the corresponding area. If the combination of the updated out-of-order symbol counters CL, CM, and CR is a combination of jackpot symbols, the update process is terminated as it is.

After the update processing of the off symbol counters CL, CM, and CR, the first specific lamp unit control processing for switching the color displayed on the first specific lamp unit 93 is executed in step S503. In the first specific lamp unit control process, a jackpot determination and on / off control of the light source switch of the LED lamp arranged in the first specific lamp unit 93 are performed. Further, in the first specific lamp unit control process, the symbol display device 91 also sets the variation display of the first symbol.

Specifically, it is determined whether or not it is a jackpot based on the value of the jackpot random number counter C1, and the type of jackpot is determined based on the value of the jackpot type counter C2 (so-called probabilistic jackpot or not is determined). .. At this time, the type of the jackpot symbol in the first symbol and the stop line of the combination of the jackpot symbols are also determined and set as the stop symbol command. Further, when it is determined that the jackpot does not occur, the mode of the combination of the missed symbols in the first symbol is determined based on the value of the reach random number counter C3. In such a case, the combination of symbols updated in the above-mentioned off-symbol counter update process and stored in the area is set as a stop symbol command. Further, based on the value of the second variation type counter CS2, the color switching display time displayed on the first specific lamp unit 93 and the variation display time of the first symbol are determined. Further, the reach type in the first symbol and its rough symbol variation mode are determined based on the value of the first variation type counter CS1 and set as the variation mode command. In addition, every time the on / off control of the first specific lamp unit 93 is started in the first specific lamp unit control process, the operation hold ball number N is subtracted by 1, and when the operation hold ball number N is 0, the on / off control is performed. Does not start.

After the first specific lamp unit control process, the large winning opening opening / closing process is executed in step S504. In the big winning opening opening / closing process, the big winning opening of the variable winning device 83 is opened or closed in the case of a big hit state. That is, the big winning opening is opened for each round in the big hit state, and it is determined whether the maximum opening time of the big winning opening has elapsed or whether a predetermined number of game balls have won in the big winning opening. Judgment as to whether or not the specified number of prizes have been won is made by checking the counter for the large prize opening. Then, when any of these conditions is met, the big prize opening is closed.

After that, in step S505, the second specific lamp unit control process for performing the color switching process displayed on the second specific lamp unit 94 is executed. In the second specific lamp unit control process, switching of the display color in the second specific lamp unit 94 is started on condition that the number of gate holding balls is 1 or more. At this time, the display color switching time is also set. In addition, the color to be stopped and displayed is set based on the value of the second specific lamp random number counter that has already been acquired. When a predetermined color is set as the stop display color, the electric accessory 89 attached to the lower operating port 84b is opened for a predetermined time after the stop display of that color.

By the way, in the pachinko machine 10, as a kind of special gaming state, a frequency-improved state in which the frequency of the electric accessory 89 being opened per unit time is set to be high. In the frequency-improved state, winning a prize in the lower operating port 84b is likely to occur. In other words, the electric accessory 89 has a means for increasing the frequency of opening the electric accessory 89 per unit time, and in the state where the frequency is increased by the means, the player wins a prize in the lower operating port 84b. The benefit is that it is more likely to occur.

The specific content of the frequency improvement state is that it continues until a predetermined number of games (the number of times the symbol changes are displayed on the symbol display device 91) after the jackpot state ends or the next jackpot occurs, and the frequency is improved. In the state, the lottery interval for whether or not to open the electric accessory 89 is shorter than that in the normal gaming state (a state in which the frequency is not improved), and when the lottery is won, the electric accessory 89 is set. The number of times the game is opened is larger than that in the normal game state, and the duration when the game is open is longer than in the normal game state. It should be noted that it is not necessary that all of the above conditions are satisfied as the conditions in the frequency improvement state, and any one condition or a predetermined combination of conditions may be satisfied. Further, the probability of winning the open state in the frequency improvement state is set to be the same as the probability in the normal gaming state, but it may be set higher than the probability in the normal gaming state.

After step S505, the game ball launch control process is executed in step S506. In the game ball launch control process, the game ball launch mechanism 110 is once in a predetermined period (for example, 0.6 sec) on condition that a launch permission signal is input from the launch control unit 321b of the power supply and the launch control board 321. The solenoid 111 of the above is excited. As a result, the game ball on the launch rail 112 is launched toward the game area.

After step S506, the input state monitoring process is executed in step S507, and the payout output process is executed in step S508. These processes will be described in detail later. After that, in step S509, it is determined whether or not the power failure flag is stored in the power failure flag storage area provided in the RAM 313. If the power failure flag is not stored, it means that the last processing of the plurality of processes to be repeatedly executed has been completed. Therefore, whether or not the execution timing of the next normal processing has been reached in step S510, that is, the previous normal processing It is determined whether or not a predetermined time (4 msec in the present embodiment) has elapsed from the start of the process. Then, within the remaining time until the execution timing of the next normal process, the random number initial value counters CINI and both variable type counters CS1 and CS2 are repeatedly updated. That is, in step S511, the random number initial value counter CINI is updated. Specifically, the random number initial value counter CINI is added by 1, and when the counter value reaches the maximum value (676 in the present embodiment), it is cleared to 0. Then, the updated value of the random number initial value counter CINI is stored in the corresponding area of the RAM 313. Further, in step S512, both fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 are updated. Specifically, both variable type counters CS1 and CS2 are added by 1, and when the counter values reach the maximum values (198 and 240 in the present embodiment), they are cleared to 0, respectively. Then, the updated values of both fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 are stored in the corresponding area of the RAM 313.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S509 that the power failure flag is stored, it means that the power supply is cut off, so the power failure processing after step S513 is executed. That is, in step S513, the occurrence of timer interrupt processing is prohibited, then the RAM determination value is calculated and saved in step S514, and after the access to RAM 313 is prohibited in step S515, the power supply is completely shut off for processing. Continues an infinite loop until can no longer be executed.

<Electrical configuration for paying out game balls>
Next, the electrical configuration and the processing configuration regarding the payout of the game ball will be described in detail. First, the electrical configuration will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. In FIG. 23, the power supply line is indicated by a double line arrow, and the signal line is indicated by a solid line arrow.

The main control board 301 and the payout control board 322 are electrically connected to each other via electrical wiring (signal lines) such as a harness, and a command as command information is output from the main control board 301 to the payout control board 322. At the same time, various electric signals are output from the payout control board 322 to the main control board 301.

The CPU 311 of the main control board 301 includes a first input port (first input unit) 351 and a second input port (second input unit) 352, and electricity from the payout control board 322 at these input ports 351 and 352. Along with inputting signals, electrical signals from various sensors are input. Here, the configuration of the first input port 351 will be described with reference to FIG. 24. FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the first input port 351.

The first input port 351 includes a signal input buffer B for storing each input information. The signal input buffer B is composed of 1 byte and includes 0th bit D to 7th bit D7. A signal path is formed between the 0th bit D to the 7th bit D7 and different signal output sources, and information is stored based on the signals input from these signal output sources.

Specifically, the 0th bit D0 has a signal path formed with the lower actuating port sensor 154b, and the 1st bit D1 has a signal path formed with the upper actuating port sensor 154a. The bit D2 has a signal path formed between it and the count sensor 153, the third bit D3 has a signal path formed between it and the gate sensor 155, and the fourth bit D4 has a signal path with the first winning opening sensor 152a. A signal path is formed between the 5th bit D5 and the 2nd winning opening sensor 152b, and the 6th bit D6 is a signal between the 3rd winning opening sensor 152c and the signal path. A path is formed, and a signal path is formed between the 7th bit D7 and the payout control board 322. A prize ball permission signal output from the payout control board 322 is input to the 7th bit D7. The details of this prize ball permission signal will be described later.

As described above, the lower operating port sensor 154b, the upper operating port sensor 154a, the count sensor 153, the gate sensor 155, and the winning port sensors 152a to 152c flow down the game area, and the lower operating port 84b, the upper operating port 84a, and the variable The purpose is to detect a game ball that has passed through the winning device 83, the general winning opening 82, and the through gate 85. While the game ball is not detected, the HI level signal is output and while the game ball is being detected. Is configured to output a LOW level signal. However, the main control board 301 has an inverting circuit. Therefore, the information (data 0) of "0" is stored in the 0th bit D to the 6th bit D6 while the HI level signal is output from the corresponding sensors 154b, 154a, 153, 155, 152a to 152c. The information (data 1) of "1" is stored while the LOW level signal is output.

It should be noted that the LOW level signal may be output while the sensors 152 to 155 are not detecting the game ball, and the HI level signal may be output while the sensor 152 to 155 is detecting the game ball. In this case, the inverting circuit is not provided, and further, "0" is stored in the 0th bit D0 to the 6th bit D6 while the LOW level signal is output from the corresponding sensors 152 to 155, and the HI "1" is stored while the level signal is output.

On the other hand, the prize ball permission signal is not the target of the inversion circuit, and “0” is stored in the 7th bit D7 while the LOW level signal is output from the payout control board 322 for the prize ball permission signal. While the HI level signal (which corresponds to the prize ball permission signal in the pachinko machine 10) is output, "1" is stored in the 7th bit D7.

In the CPU 311 of the main control board 301, whether or not a prize is won based on the information stored in each bit D0 to D7 of the first input port 351 (whether or not the game ball has passed through a passing portion provided in the game area and a passage detection target). Or) etc. are judged. Further, although the description by illustration is omitted, the second input port 352 is composed of one byte like the first input port 351, and each bit is connected to the front door frame opening switch 78 and the main body frame opening switch 217. Among the electric signals of the above and the signals output from the payout control board 322, signals other than the above-mentioned prize ball permission signal are input. That is, some signal used for executing the process in the CPU 311 is input to each bit of the second input port 352.

The electric signals output from the front door frame opening switch 78 and the main body frame opening switch 217 are relayed to the power supply and firing control board 321 and the payout control board 322, and then input to the main control board 301. In this case, the payout control board 322 only relays the electric signals from the front door frame open switch 78 and the main body frame open switch 217, and is not input to the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322. This also applies to the power supply and the launch control board 321. Further, instead of the first input port 351 and the second input port 352, a first input / output port and a second input / output port may be provided, and the input / output may be appropriately changed in the CPU.

Further, the first input port 351 and the second input port 352 may be installed on the main control board 301 as a driver IC separately from the chip of the CPU 311 instead of the CPU 311. In this case, the CPU 311 may be configured to have a single input port or input / output port.

The configuration of the RAM 313 of the main control board 301 will be described. In the following description, FIG. 25 will be referred to as appropriate. FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the configuration of the RAM 313.

The RAM 313 of the main control board 301 is provided with a prize ball counter area 361 as a means for individually storing information. As shown in FIG. 25, the counter area 361 for prize balls includes a counter area 361a for 15 prize balls, a counter area 361b for 10 prize balls, a counter area 361c for 4 prize balls, and 3 prize balls. A counter area 361d is provided.

Here, as described above, the pachinko machine 10 has a general winning opening 82, a variable winning device 83, an upper operating port 84a, and a lower operating port 84b as a prize ball entry section (or a prize payout passing section). Is provided, and the number of prize balls (the number of game balls to be paid out) for each prize ball is different for each prize ball entry section. Specifically, the number of prize balls when entering the general winning opening 82 is 10, the number of winning balls when entering the variable winning device 83 is 15, and the number of winning balls is entered into the upper operating opening 84a. The number of prize balls when the ball is inserted is three, and the number of prize balls when the ball enters the lower operating port 84b is four.

In this configuration, the 15-piece prize ball counter area 361a stores how many more 15-piece prize balls are to be played for the variable winning device 83 (15 pieces for the variable winning device 83). The counter area 361b for 10 prize balls memorizes the number of times the prize ball has not been executed. The counter area 361b for 10 prize balls memorizes how many more 10 prize balls are to be played for the ball entering the general prize opening 82 (general). The number of times 10 prize balls have not been executed for entering the winning opening 82 is stored.) The counter area 361c for 4 prize balls has 4 more prize balls for entering the lower operating port 84b. It memorizes whether to do it (it memorizes the number of times the four prize balls have not been executed for entering the lower operating port 84b), and the counter area 361d for the three prize balls enters the upper operating port 84a. It memorizes how many more times the three prize balls are to be performed on the ball (the number of times the three prize balls have not been performed for the ball entering the upper operating port 84a is memorized). Each of the prize ball counter areas 361a to 361d is composed of 1 byte, and the number of times the prize ball has not been executed can be memorized up to 255 times.

The number of prize balls pattern is an example, and each number is arbitrary. Further, the pattern of the number of prize balls is not limited to the above four types, and may be two types, three types, or five or more types. Further, the counter areas 361a to 361d for each prize ball are not limited to 1 byte, and may be 2 bytes or 3 bytes or more. Furthermore, it is not essential that the maximum number of unexecuted prize balls that can be stored in the counter areas 361a to 361d for each prize ball is 255, and if a plurality of times can be stored, it is less than 255 or There may be many.

The CPU 311 of the main control board 301 determines whether or not a prize has been generated based on the information (prize information) stored in the counter areas 361a to 361d for each prize ball, and if it is determined that a prize has occurred, the prize is determined. The prize ball command corresponding to the type of winning is output to the payout control board 322.

Here, the information form of the prize ball command will be described with reference to FIG. 25 (b).

The prize ball command is stored in advance in the command storage area 312a of the ROM 312 of the main control board 301. As the prize ball command, a 15 prize ball command, a 10 prize ball command, a 4 prize ball command, and a 3 prize ball command are set. When a prize ball command is output based on the prize ball information stored in the counter area 361a for 15 prize balls, the 15 prize ball command is output and stored in the counter area 361b for 10 prize balls. When a prize ball command is output based on the existing prize ball information, 10 prize ball commands are output, and a prize ball command is output based on the prize ball information stored in the counter area 361c for 4 prize balls. If this is done, 4 prize ball commands are output, and if a prize ball command is output based on the prize ball information stored in the counter area 361d for 3 prize balls, 3 prize ball commands are output. Will be done.

Each prize ball command consists of 2 bytes. That is, each prize ball command includes upper information and lower information, and each of the information is composed of one byte. That is, the upper information and the lower information are composed of the same number of bits. Of these upper information and lower information, information for identifying that this command is a prize ball command is set in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 in the upper information, and information for specifying that this command is a prize ball command is set in the upper information, and the lower information is the payout control board 322. Information on the number of prize balls of the main prize ball command is set in the CPU 331.

The specific information form of each prize ball command is as shown in FIG. 25 (b). In this case, any one prize ball command is set so that the form of the information consisting of 1 byte when the addition of the upper information and the lower information is calculated is "FF" in hexadecimal. For example, in detail about the 15 prize ball commands, the upper information is "11110,000" and the lower information is "00001111". Then, when these additions are calculated, it becomes "11111111". Further, in detail about the three prize ball commands, the upper information is "11111100" and the lower information is "000000111". Then, when these additions are calculated, it becomes "11111111". Since the prize ball command has the above information form, the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 can determine whether or not the prize ball command input from the main control board 301 is normal. ing.

Further, as shown in FIG. 23, the RAM 313 of the main control board 301 is provided with the previous area 362 and the previous two-time area 363. These areas 362 and 363 are used when determining whether or not a prize has been won based on the information stored in the first input port 351 in the CPU 311 of the main control board 301.

In addition, the RAM 313 of the main control board 301 is provided with a front door frame counter area 364, a prize ball permission counter area 365, and various flag storage areas 366. The front door frame counter area 364 is used when the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 determines whether or not the front door frame 14 is opened or closed. Further, the prize ball permission counter area 365 is used in the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 to execute a process related to the prize ball permission signal. Further, the various flag storage areas 366 are used for executing various control processes in the CPU 311 of the main control board 301.

The payout control board 322 is electrically connected to the payout device 224, and the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 outputs a drive signal to the payout motor 257 and indicates whether or not a game ball is detected by the payout ball detection sensor 258. Input an electrical signal. Further, the payout control board 322 is electrically connected to the ball lending device Y via the ball lending connection terminal plate 249, and the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 receives an electric signal from the ball lending device Y. Control of ball lending is executed by outputting.

Further, the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 inputs an electric signal from the full tank detection sensor 59 and the ball non-detection sensor 223a to specify whether or not the lower plate 34 is full, and the tank 221 is ballless. Identify whether or not it is in a state. Of the full tank detection sensor 59 and the ball non-detection sensor 223a, the electric signal output from the full tank detection sensor 59 is relayed to the power supply and launch control board 321 and then input to the payout control board 322. The CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 outputs a specific result of whether or not the lower plate 34 is full to the CPU 311 of the main control board 301. As a result, whether or not the lower plate 34 is full can be grasped by the CPU 311 of the main control board 301.

The configuration of the RAM 333 of the payout control board 322 will be described. In the following description, FIG. 26 will be referred to as appropriate. FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the configuration of the RAM 333.

The RAM 333 of the payout control board 322 is provided with a full tank counter area 371. The full tank counter area 371 is used in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 to specify whether or not the lower plate 34 is in the full tank state. Further, the RAM 333 of the payout control board 322 is provided with a ballless counter area 372. The ballless counter area 372 is used in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 to identify whether or not the tank 221 is in the ballless state. Further, the RAM 333 of the payout control board 322 is provided with a command storage area 373. The command storage area 373 is used to temporarily store the prize ball command input from the CPU 311 of the main control board 301.

Further, the RAM 333 of the payout control board 322 is provided with a prize ball number storage area 374. As shown in FIG. 26A, the prize ball number storage area 374 is composed of 1 byte in which a plurality of bits (8 bits) are arranged in a row, and each bit is "0" (data 0). Or no information) or "1" (data 1 or information with information) is set. The prize ball number storage area 374 has a function for storing information on the number of prize balls specified by analyzing the prize ball command in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322. In this case, the information on the number of prize balls (information on the number of prize balls or the information on the number of prize payouts) has a one-to-one correspondence between the setting pattern of the data 1 of each bit and the number of game media within the range of the predetermined number of game media. Information. Specifically, the order (from the right bit to the left bit) is predetermined from the lower bit (the rightmost bit in FIG. 26A) to the upper bit (the leftmost bit in FIG. 26A). (Toward), each bit is set to "1" (data 1 or information), and the higher the bit is set to "1", the larger the number of corresponding prize balls is. It is the information represented by.

Here, when the information on the number of prize balls is specified from the prize ball command, the prize ball table storage area 332a provided in the ROM 332 of the payout control board 322 is referred to. As shown in FIG. 26D, the prize ball table storage area 332a stores the correspondence between the prize ball command input from the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 and the number of prize balls.

Further, the RAM 333 of the payout control board 322 is provided with a ball rental number storage area 375. As shown in FIG. 26B, the ball lending number storage area 375 is composed of 1 byte, and is used to store the ball lending number information input from the ball lending device Y in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322. It has the function of. Further, the RAM 333 of the payout control board 322 is provided with a payout number counter area 376. As shown in FIG. 26C, the payout number counter area 376 is composed of 1 byte, and has a function as an execution area for executing the payout of the game ball in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322.

The prize ball number storage area 374, the ball rental number storage area 375, and the payout number counter area 376 are not limited to 1 byte, and may be 2 bytes or 3 bytes or more. Further, each of these areas 374 to 376 does not have to have the same number of bytes.

In addition, the RAM 333 of the payout control board 322 is provided with various flag storage areas 377. The various flag storage areas 377 are used to execute various control processes in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322.

In addition to the above areas 371 to 377, the RAM 333 of the payout control board 322 is provided with a ring buffer for temporarily storing the command when the command is input from the CPU 311 of the main control board 301. Has been done. The ring buffer has a plurality of storage areas, and a read pointer and a read pointer are set. The commands are sequentially read into each storage area based on the read pointer, and the commands stored in each storage area are sequentially read based on the read pointer.

Power and power from the power-on power supply unit 321a of the firing control board 321 are supplied to the VCS terminals of the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 and the VCS terminals of the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322. In a situation where power is being supplied from an external power source by the power supplied to the VCS terminal, various control processes are executed by each CPU 311, 331, and information is stored and held in each RAM 313, 333. Will be.

Further, the power supply and the electric power from the power supply unit 321c for power failure of the emission control board 321 are supplied to the VBB terminal of the CPU 311 of the main control board 301. That is, the power from the power supply unit 321c at the time of power interruption is supplied to the RAM 313 of the main control board 301, but is not supplied to the RAM 333 of the payout control board 322. In a situation where the power supply from the external power source is cut off by the power supplied to the VBB terminal, the RAM 313 of the main control board 301 stores and holds the information. As described above, the power supplied from the power-on power supply unit 321a and the power-off power supply unit 321c to the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 is relayed by the power failure monitoring circuit 303. Further, the VBB terminal (not shown) of the payout control board 322 is grounded or is not connected to any electrical wiring.

<Processing configuration related to payout of game balls and processing configuration in CPU311 of the main control board 301>
Next, the processing configuration in the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 regarding the payout of the game ball will be described. In the following description, the value of the counter area means a value in which the value of the counter area configured in byte units is virtually expressed in decimal numbers.

<Reading process>
First, the read process executed in step S201 of the timer interrupt process (FIG. 19) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 27 and the explanatory diagram of FIG. 28.

In the reading process, first, in step S601, the process of acquiring the information of the first input port 351 as the input information this time is executed. The process will be described in detail. The CPU 311 is provided with a register for this time (a storage means for this time for calculation) 381 (see FIG. 28). The register 381 for this time has the same number of bits as the first input port 351. That is, the register 381 for this time is composed of 1 byte. In the process of step S601, the information of "0" or "1" stored in the 0th to 7th bits D0 to D7 of the first input port 351 is transferred to the 0th to 7th bits D0 in the register 381 for this time. It is stored in each bit corresponding to ~ D7.

For example, when the lower operating port sensor 154b, the count sensor 153, the second winning port sensor 152b, and the winning ball permission signal are ON, and the others are OFF, they are stored in the register 381 for this time. As shown in FIG. 28A, the information form of the input information this time is "10100101".

In the following step S602, the mask processing of the input information is executed this time. In this mask processing, the logical product of the input information mask stored in advance in the ROM 312 of the main control board 301 and the current input information stored in the current register 381 is calculated (AND processing), and after the calculation. The information is updated to the register 381 for this time. Specifically, the input information mask is "01111111". That is, the input information mask is a mask for clearing "0" in the input information this time, except for the bits that store the information on whether or not there is a prize. Therefore, after the process of step S602 is executed, the bit (seventh bit) corresponding to the information of the prize ball permission signal, which is irrelevant to the information of the presence or absence of winning, is cleared to "0".

For example, in the example of FIG. 28, the information form of the input information this time after the processing of step S602 is “00100101” as shown in FIG. 28 (b).

In the following step S603, a process of acquiring the information stored in the previous use area 362 of the RAM 313 as the previous input information and the information stored in the previous use area 363 of the RAM 313 as the previous input information is executed. ..

Here, the previous input information means the information stored in the first input port 351 in the previous read process, and the previous input information is stored in the first input port 351 in the previous read process. It refers to the information that has been provided. However, since the process of step S602 is executed as described above, "0" is cleared for the information that is irrelevant to the information on whether or not there is a prize.

The process of step S603 will be described in detail. In addition to the current register, the CPU 311 is provided with a previous register (previous storage means for calculation) 382 and a pre-previous register (previous storage means for calculation) 383. The previous register 382 has the same number of bits as the previous area 362 of the current register 381 and the RAM 313. That is, the previous register 382 is composed of 1 byte. Further, the pre-previous register 383 is composed of the same number of bits as the pre-previous register 381, the previous register 382, and the RAM 313 pre-previous area 363. That is, the pre-previous register 383 is composed of 1 byte. In the process of step S603, the information of "0" or "1" stored in each bit of the previous area 362 is stored in each corresponding bit in the previous register 382. Further, the information of "0" or "1" stored in each bit of the pre-previous round area 363 is stored in each corresponding bit in the pre-previous round register 383.

For example, in the previous reading process, when the lower operating port sensor 154b, the count sensor 153, the second winning port sensor 152b, and the third winning port sensor 152c are turned on, and the others are turned off, As shown in FIG. 28 (c), the information form of the previous input information stored in the previous register 382 is "01100101". Further, when the second winning opening sensor 152b is ON and the other sensors are OFF in the reading process of the previous two times, the information form of the previous two times input information stored in the previous two times register 383 is shown in FIG. As shown in 28 (d), it becomes "00100000".

In the following step S604, the next write process is executed. In the next write process, a process of updating the previous area 362 and the previous two-time area 363 of the RAM 313 is executed for the next read process. That is, the information of the previous area 362 is updated to the information stored in the current register 381, and the information of the previous previous area 363 is updated to the information stored in the previous register 382.

In the following step S605, the inversion process of the input information is executed two times before. Specifically, the value of each bit of the pre-previous register 383 is inverted. For example, when the input information two times before is "00100000" as shown in FIG. 28 (d), the inverted information is "110111111" as shown in FIG. 28 (e).

In the following step S606, AND processing is executed between the information of the pre-previous register 383 inverted in step S605 and the previous input information stored in the previous register 382. That is, the logical product of the information of the pre-previous register 383 inverted in step S605 and the previous input information stored in the previous register 382 is calculated. Then, the information of the calculation result is updated as the information of the previous register 382.

For example, when the inverted information is "11011111" as shown in FIG. 28 (e) and the previous input information is "01100101" as shown in FIG. 28 (c), the AND process is performed in step S606. The information of the result is "01000011" as shown in FIG. 28 (f).

The information of the calculation result may be updated as the information of the register 383 for the previous operation. However, in this case, in the process of step S607, it is necessary to use the information stored in the pre-previous register 383.

In the following step S607, the AND processing of the information of the result of the AND processing in step S606 and the current input information after the mask processing stored in the register 381 for this time is executed. That is, the logical product of the information of the previous register 382 obtained in step S606 and the information of the current register 381 obtained in step S602 is calculated. Then, the result of the calculation is updated as the information of the register 381 for this time.

For example, the information of the previous register 382 obtained in step S606 is “01000101” as shown in FIG. 28 (f), and the information of the current register 381 obtained in step S602 is shown in FIG. 28 (b). In the case of "00100101" as described above, the information of the result of the AND processing in step S607 is "000000101" as shown in FIG. 28 (g).

In the following step S608, the information determination process is executed. Here, the information determination process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In the information determination process, first, in step S701, it is determined whether or not there is winning information in the 0th bit W0 of the register 381 this time, that is, whether or not "1" is stored in the 0th bit W0. If there is no winning information in the 0th bit W0 (when "0" is stored), the process proceeds to step S703 as it is. If there is winning information in the 0th bit W0 (when "1" is stored), the first storage process is executed in step S702, and then the process proceeds to step S703. In the first storage process, the values of the four prize ball counter areas 361c in the prize ball counter area 361 of the RAM 313 are added by one. The fact that the 0th bit W0 of the register 381 for this time has the winning information at the stage of the information determination processing means that the lower operating port 84b has been won.

By the way, in the first storage process, the operation port flag (lottery opportunity information) is stored in the operation port flag storage area (lottery opportunity information storage means) of the RAM 313. This operation port flag is used in determining whether or not a prize has been generated in the lower operation port 84b in the above-mentioned start winning process (FIG. 20). Since the upper operating port 84a and the lower operating port 84b are provided as the operating ports, the operating port flag storage areas are provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the respective operating ports 84a and 84b. That is, as the lottery opportunity information storage means, the first lottery opportunity information storage means and the second lottery opportunity information storage means are provided.

For example, when the information of the register 381 for this time is "000000101" as shown in FIG. 28 (g), since "1" is stored in the 0th bit W0, the counter area 361c for four prize balls Add 1 to the value of. It also stores the actuation port flag.

In the following step S703, it is determined whether or not there is winning information in the first bit W1 of the register 381 this time, that is, whether or not "1" is stored in the first bit W1. If there is no winning information in the first bit W1 (when "0" is stored), the process proceeds to step S705 as it is. If there is winning information in the first bit W1 (when "1" is stored), the second storage process is executed in step S704, and then the process proceeds to step S705. In the second storage process, the values of the three prize ball counter areas 361d in the prize ball counter area 361 of the RAM 313 are added by one. The fact that the first bit W1 of the register 381 for this time has the winning information at the stage of the information determination processing means that the upper operating port 84a has been won. By the way, in the second storage process, the operation port flag is stored in the operation port flag storage area corresponding to the upper operation port 84a in the RAM 313.

For example, when the information of the register 381 for this time is "000000101" as shown in FIG. 28 (g), since "0" is stored in the first bit W1, the counter area 361d for three prize balls The value of is not added. In addition, the operation port flag is not stored.

In the following step S705, it is determined whether or not there is winning information in the second bit W2 of the register 381 this time, that is, whether or not "1" is stored in the second bit W2. If there is no winning information in the second bit W2 (when "0" is stored), the process proceeds to step S707 as it is. If there is winning information in the second bit W2 (when "1" is stored), the third storage process is executed in step S706, and then the process proceeds to step S707. In the third storage process, the values of the 15 prize ball counter areas 361a in the prize ball counter area 361 of the RAM 313 are added by 1. The fact that the second bit W2 of the register 381 for this time has the winning information at the stage of the information determination processing means that the variable winning device 83 has been won. By the way, in the third storage process, the big prize opening flag (special winning information) is stored in the large winning opening flag storage area (special winning information storage means) provided in the RAM 313. This large winning opening flag is used in determining whether or not a winning is generated in the variable winning opening device 83 in the above-mentioned large winning opening opening / closing process (step S504 in FIG. 22).

For example, when the information of the register 381 for this time is "000000101" as shown in FIG. 28 (g), since "1" is stored in the second bit W2, the counter area 361a for 15 prize balls Add 1 to the value of.

In the following step S707, it is determined whether or not there is winning information in the third bit W3 of the register 381 this time, that is, whether or not "1" is stored in the third bit W3. If there is no winning information in the third bit W3 (when "0" is stored), the process proceeds to step S709 as it is. If there is winning information in the third bit W3 (when "1" is stored), the fourth storage process is executed in step S708, and then the process proceeds to step S709. In the fourth storage process, the through flag is stored in the through flag storage area provided in the RAM 313. This through flag is used in determining whether or not the game ball has passed through the through gate 85 in the above-described second specific lamp unit control process (step S505 in FIG. 22). The fact that the third bit W3 of the register 381 for this time has the winning information at the stage of the information determination processing means that the game ball has passed through the through gate 85.

For example, when the information of the register 381 for this time is "000000101" as shown in FIG. 28 (g), the through flag is not stored because "0" is stored in the third bit W3.

In the following step S709, it is determined whether or not there is winning information in the fourth bit W4 of the register 381 this time, that is, whether or not "1" is stored in the fourth bit W4. If there is no winning information in the 4th bit W4 (when "0" is stored), the process proceeds to step S711 as it is. If there is winning information in the 4th bit W4 (when "1" is stored), the process proceeds to step S711 after the fifth storage process is executed in step S710. In the fifth storage process, the values of the 10 prize ball counter areas 361b in the prize ball counter area 361 of the RAM 313 are added by 1. The fact that the 4th bit W4 of the register 381 for this time has the winning information at the stage of the information determination processing means that one of the plurality of general winning openings 82 has won a prize. Is.

For example, when the information of the register 381 for this time is "000000101" as shown in FIG. 28 (g), since "0" is stored in the fourth bit W4, the counter area 361b for 10 prize balls The value of is not added.

In the following step S711, it is determined whether or not there is winning information in the fifth bit W5 of the register 381 this time, that is, whether or not "1" is stored in the fifth bit W5. If there is no winning information in the fifth bit W5 (when "0" is stored), the process proceeds to step S713 as it is. If there is winning information in the fifth bit W5 (when "1" is stored), the fifth storage process is executed in step S712, and then the process proceeds to step S713. The fifth storage process has already been described. At the stage of the information determination process, the fact that the fifth bit W5 of the register 381 for this time has the winning information means that one of the plurality of general winning openings 82 has won the general winning opening 82. Is.

For example, when the information of the register 381 for this time is "000000101" as shown in FIG. 28 (g), since "0" is stored in the fifth bit W5, the counter area 361b for 10 prize balls The value of is not added.

In the following step S713, it is determined whether or not there is winning information in the sixth bit W6 of the register 381 this time, that is, whether or not "1" is stored in the sixth bit W6. If there is no winning information in the 6th bit W6 (when "0" is stored), the information determination process is terminated as it is. If there is winning information in the sixth bit W6 (when "1" is stored), the information determination process ends after the fifth storage process is executed in step S714. The fifth storage process has already been described. The fact that the 6th bit W6 of the register 381 for this time has the winning information at the stage of the information determination processing means that the general winning opening 82 of one of the plurality of general winning openings 82 has been won. Is.

For example, when the information of the register 381 for this time is "000000101" as shown in FIG. 28 (g), since "0" is stored in the sixth bit W6, the counter area 361b for 10 prize balls The value of is not added.

As described above, in the pachinko machine 10, a passing portion (a prize ball entry portion provided in the game area) such as a general winning opening 82, a variable winning device 83, an upper operating port 84a, a lower operating port 84b, and a through gate 85 is used. The first input port 351 is confirmed in the reading process executed in a predetermined cycle (specifically, 2 msec) to determine whether or not a prize has been generated (including the gate portion for the non-prize ball). It is done by.

In this case, the condition for determining that a prize has occurred (hereinafter, also referred to as a prize determination condition) indicates that the game ball is not detected by the ball detection sensor within the range of the reference continuous number of times set as a plurality of times. After it is confirmed that the indicated non-detection information is output, the detection information indicating that the game ball is being detected is output from the ball detection sensor for the number of consecutive winning reference times set as multiple times. It is the case that it is confirmed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 28, in the pachinko machine 10, the reference continuous number of times is set to 3 times, and the non-detection information is set to the 0th bit of the pre-previous times register 383 in the state before various arithmetic processes. "0" is stored, the detection information "1" is stored in the 0th bit of the previous register 382, and the detection information "1" is stored in the 0th bit of the current register 381. When stored, the winning information "1" is stored in the 0th bit W0 of the register 381 for this time after various arithmetic processes.

By setting the above-mentioned winning determination conditions, it is possible to accurately grasp the occurrence of winning in the CPU 311. That is, while various sensors 152 to 155 that detect the game ball have a predetermined detection range, the processing execution timing of the CPU 311 is from the start to the end of the sensor 152 to 155 detection of the game ball. It is set to occur many times during. Then, even though it has already been determined that there is a prize for the occurrence of one prize, there is a concern that the CPU 311 will check the detection information again to determine that there is a prize again. .. On the other hand, under the above-mentioned winning judgment conditions, it is necessary to confirm the detection information after the non-detection information within the range of the number of judgment criteria, so it is judged once for each winning. After that, it is not judged that the prize has been won again.

Taking the case of FIG. 28 as an example, "1" is stored in all of the 5th bits of the registers 381 to 383 corresponding to the detection result of the second winning opening sensor 152b in the state before various arithmetic processes. ing. In this case, the detection information will be confirmed in the previous time and this time, but since the detection information is confirmed in the time before the previous time, it is not determined that a prize has occurred. By the way, this is realized by a process with a relatively small load of inverting each bit of the input information two times before and then calculating the logical product of each input information.

Further, by setting the winning determination condition that the detection information is continuously confirmed the winning reference number of times, even if the detection information is temporarily stored in the bits D0 to D7 of the first input port 351 due to noise or the like. On the other hand, it is possible to prevent the CPU 311 from determining that there is a prize.

Taking the case of FIG. 28 as an example, "1" is stored in the sixth bit of the previous register 382 corresponding to the detection result of the third winning opening sensor 152c in the state before various arithmetic processes. .. However, "0" is stored in the sixth bit of the register 381 for this time and the register 383 for the previous two times in the state before various arithmetic processes. In this case, "1" is stored in the 6th bit of the previous register 382 due to noise or the like, and the CPU 311 does not determine that there is a prize. By the way, this is realized by a process with a relatively small load of inverting each bit of the input information two times before and then calculating the logical product of each input information.

Further, the first input port 351 and each register 381 to 383 are configured in the same byte unit, and all the information from the ball detection sensors 152 to 155 for winning a prize is input to them. Then, in determining whether or not a prize has been generated, various arithmetic processes are executed for the input information in byte units of each register 381 to 383. As a result, for each of the ball detection sensors 152 to 155, it is possible to collectively generate the winning information for determining whether or not the winning has occurred. In the pachinko machine 10, a general winning opening 82, a variable winning device 83, an upper operating port 84a, a lower operating port 84b, and a through gate 85 are installed in the same game area, and a large number of game balls are placed in the game area. Since they flow down at the same time, winning prizes may occur at the same time. In this case, if the processing for generating the winning information must be performed individually for each of the ball detection sensors 152 to 155, the processing load becomes considerably excessive. Further, for example, assuming a configuration in which a counter for determining a winning is provided and the winning information is generated by counting each time the reading process is executed, the counter is provided individually for each of the ball detection sensors 152 to 155. , It becomes necessary to execute the processing for adding and resetting all the counters every time the reading processing is executed. On the other hand, according to this configuration, since the winning information can be generated collectively, the above-mentioned excellent effect can be obtained while suppressing the increase in the processing load and the storage capacity of the CPU 311.

Further, not only the signal from the ball detection sensors 152 to 155 but also the prize ball permission signal from the payout control board 322 is input to the first input port 351. In the pachinko machine 10, the number of ball detection sensors 152 to 155 is 7, whereas the first input port 351 is composed of 8 bits. Then, one bit of the first input port 351 can be used as an area other than the winning determination area, and the area can be effectively used by inputting the prize ball permission signal to the bit. .. In this case, in the reading process, since the mask processing of the input information is executed this time in step S602, the information of the prize ball permission signal can be ignored when determining whether or not a prize has been generated.

<Input status monitoring process>
Next, the input state monitoring process executed in step S507 of the normal process (FIG. 22) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In the input state monitoring process, first, in step S801, input information is acquired from the second input port 352. Specifically, the input information of the second input port 352 is stored in a 1-byte unit general-purpose register provided in the CPU 311.

In the following step S802, a payout abnormality signal monitoring process for identifying whether or not an abnormality has occurred in paying out the game ball is executed. Specifically, in the payout abnormality signal monitoring process, when the information indicating that the abnormality signal is input from the payout control board 322 is stored in the general-purpose register, the occurrence of the payout abnormality is specified in the CPU 311 of the main control board 301. To do. Then, when the occurrence of the payout abnormality is identified, the payout abnormality command (payout abnormality information) is output to the voice lamp control board 324 to execute the abnormality notification. The mode of this abnormality notification is arbitrary, and for example, lighting of the error display lamp unit 24, output of a notification sound from the speaker unit 26, notification display on the display screen of the symbol display device 91, and the like can be considered. Further, an abnormal signal may be output to the management computer (hall computer) of the game hall through the external terminal plate 213. The payout abnormality referred to here includes a ballless state of the tank 221 and a failure of the payout device 224.

In the following step S803, a full tank signal monitoring process for identifying whether or not the lower plate 34 is full is executed. Specifically, in the full tank signal monitoring process, the lower plate 34 is mainly in the full tank state when the information indicating that the full tank signal is input from the payout control board 322 is stored in the general-purpose register. It is specified by the CPU 311 of the control board 301. When it is specified that the lower plate 34 is in a full tank state, a full tank status command (full tank status information) is output to the voice lamp control board 324 to execute a full tank notification. The mode of this full tank notification is arbitrary, and for example, lighting of the error display lamp unit 24, output of a notification sound from the speaker unit 26, notification display on the display screen of the symbol display device 91, and the like can be considered. Further, the full tank signal may be output to the management computer (hall computer) of the game hall through the external terminal plate 213.

In the following step S804, the main body frame opening signal monitoring process for specifying whether or not the main body frame 13 is in the open state is executed. Specifically, in the main body frame opening signal monitoring process, the main body frame 13 is in the open state when the information indicating that the main body frame opening signal is being input from the main body frame opening switch 217 is stored in the general-purpose register. Is specified in the CPU 311 of the main control board 301. Then, when it is specified that the main body frame 13 is in the open state, the main body frame open state command (information for main body open notification) is output to the voice lamp control board 324 to execute the main body open notification. The mode of this main body opening notification is arbitrary, and for example, lighting of the error display lamp unit 24, output of a notification sound from the speaker unit 26, notification display on the display screen of the symbol display device 91, and the like can be considered. Further, the main body opening signal may be output to the management computer (hall computer) of the game hall through the external terminal plate 213.

After that, the front door frame opening signal monitoring process is executed in step S805, and the prize ball permission signal monitoring process is executed in step S806, and then the input state monitoring process is terminated.

<Front door frame opening signal monitoring process>
Next, the front door frame opening signal monitoring process in step S805 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

Here, the front door frame opening signal monitoring process is (1) processing when the front door frame 14 is specified to be in the closed state and the closed state is continued, and (2) the front door. Processing from the closed state to the open state of the frame 14 until it is specified that the frame 14 is in the open state, and (3) after the front door frame 14 is specified to be in the open state. It is roughly classified into a process when the open state is continued, and (4) a process when the front door frame 14 is changed from the open state to the closed state until the closed state is specified. Therefore, the processing of these situations will be described individually.

First, a process will be described when the front door frame 14 of the above (1) is specified to be in the closed state and the closed state is continued.

First, in step S901, it is determined whether or not the front door frame opening information indicating that the front door frame opening signal indicating that the front door frame 14 is in the open state is input is stored in the general-purpose register. Since this time the front door frame 14 is in the closed state, a negative determination is made in step S901, and the process proceeds to step S902.

In step S902, the opening specific reference number of times is stored in the first front door frame counter area (means for grasping the opening specific opportunity) in the front door frame counter area 364 of the RAM 313. Specifically, "3" is stored in the front door frame counter area 364. The first front door frame counter area is a counter used when the CPU 311 identifies that the front door frame 14 is in the open state when the closed front door frame 14 is in the open state.

In the following step S903, it is determined whether or not the second front door frame counter area (means for grasping the closing specific trigger) in the front door frame counter area 364 of the RAM 313 is “0”. The second front door frame counter area is a counter used when the CPU 311 identifies that the front door frame 14 is in the closed state when the front door frame 14 in the open state is closed. The second front door frame counter area is maintained in the "0" state after it is specified that the front door frame 14 is in the closed state. Therefore, if the closed state is continued after the front door frame 14 is specified to be in the closed state, the second front door frame counter area is "0", and in step S903, the second front door frame counter area is "0". An affirmative judgment is made, and the front door frame opening signal monitoring process is terminated as it is.

Next, the process from the case where the front door frame 14 of the above (2) is changed from the closed state to the open state until it is specified that the front door frame 14 is in the open state will be described.

Since this time the front door frame 14 is in the open state, an affirmative determination is made in step S901, and the process proceeds to step S911. In step S911, the closing specific reference value information is stored in the second front door frame counter area of the RAM 313. Specifically, "250" is stored in the second front door frame counter area.

In the following step S912, it is determined whether or not the first front door frame counter area is "0". This time, since the process is performed from the closed state to the open state of the front door frame 14 until it is specified that the front door frame 14 is in the open state, in step S902 when the front door frame 14 is in the closed state. The open specific reference value information stored in the first front door frame counter area is not yet set to "0". Therefore, a negative determination is made in step S912, and the process proceeds to step S913.

In step S913, the value of the first front door frame counter area is subtracted by 1. In the following step S914, it is determined whether or not the value of the first front door frame counter area is "0". That is, until the front door frame 14 is changed from the closed state to the open state and the open state is specified, the first front door frame counter is executed every time the front door frame opening signal monitoring process is executed. The area value is subtracted by 1. Further, since the front door frame opening signal monitoring process is executed as a part of the normal process, the execution cycle is about 4 msec. When the front door frame 14 is in the closed state, "3" is stored in the first front door frame counter area in step S902. Therefore, in step S914, whether or not 12 msec has elapsed from the time when the front door frame 14 is opened and the state is changed from the closed state to the open state (when the front door frame opening signal is output from the front door frame opening switch 78). Is being judged.

If the value of the first front door frame counter area is not "0", a negative determination is made in step S914, and the front door frame opening signal monitoring process is terminated as it is. If the value of the first front door frame counter area is "0", an affirmative determination is made in step S914, and the process proceeds to step S915. In step S915, it is determined whether or not the front door frame opening flag is stored in the front door frame opening flag storage area of the RAM 313. If the front door frame opening flag is stored, the front door frame opening signal monitoring process is terminated as it is. If the front door frame opening flag is not stored, the process proceeds to step S916.

In step S916, the front door frame opening flag (front body opening information) is stored in the front door frame opening flag storage area (front body opening information storage means). As a result, it is specified in the CPU 311 that the front door frame 14 is in the open state. In the following step S917, the front door frame state change flag is stored in the front door frame state change flag storage area of the RAM 313. As a result, it is specified that the timing is specified in the CPU 311 that the front door frame 14 is in the open state. In the following step S918, the front door frame opening command is set. The front door frame opening command is output to the payout control board 322 in the payout output process described later, and the front door frame 14 is opened by inputting the front door frame open command in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322. Identify that.

After that, in step S910, the subcommand setting process is executed. In the subcommand setting process, the front door frame open state command (front body open notification information) is output to the voice lamp control board 324 to execute the front body open notification. The mode of this front body opening notification is arbitrary, and for example, lighting of the error display lamp unit 24, output of a notification sound from the speaker unit 26, notification display on the display screen of the symbol display device 91, and the like can be considered. Further, the front body opening signal may be output to the management computer (hall computer) of the game hall through the external terminal plate 213. After that, the front door frame opening signal monitoring process is completed.

As described above, in the pachinko machine 10, even if the front door frame opening information is stored in the general-purpose register of the CPU 311, it is not immediately determined that the front door frame 14 is in the opened state, and it is performed a plurality of times. The front door frame 14 is in the open state when the front door frame opening information is confirmed continuously for the set opening specific reference number of times, that is, when the front door frame opening information is confirmed over the opening specific reference period. It is determined that As a result, even though the front door frame 14 is not in the open state, when the front door frame open information is stored in the second input port 352 or the general-purpose register due to noise or the like, the front door frame 14 is in the open state in the CPU 311. It is prevented from specifying that it has become.

In the pachinko machine 10, the window portion 21, the upper plate 33, and the lower plate 34 are integrated with the front door frame 14, and when the front door frame 14 is opened, the game ball is paid out. I am trying to stop. This is because if the payout is not stopped, the game balls will be connected from the position of the opening / closing member 124 of the main body frame 13 to the position of the payout device 224, and there is a concern that the payout device 224 may break down. In this case, it is not preferable that the CPU 311 specifies that the front door frame 14 is in the open state even though the front door frame 14 is not actually in the open state. Further, when the front door frame opening command is output to the payout control board 322 due to the influence of noise or the like, the command for releasing the command is not output. In that case, the state in which the payout of the game ball is stopped will continue to be maintained, which may be disadvantageous to the player. On the other hand, according to this configuration, the possibility of such inconvenience occurring can be reduced.

Next, the process when the front door frame 14 of the above (3) is specified to be in the open state and the open state is continued will be described.

Since this time the front door frame 14 is in the open state, an affirmative determination is made in step S901, the process proceeds to step S911, and "250" is stored in the second front door frame counter area of the RAM 313. In the following step S912, it is determined whether or not the first front door frame counter area is "0". This time, since the front door frame 14 is specified to be in the open state and the open state is continued, the state where the first front door frame counter area is "0" is maintained. There is. Therefore, an affirmative determination is made in step S912, and the front door frame opening signal monitoring process is terminated as it is.

Next, the process from the case where the front door frame 14 of the above (4) is changed from the open state to the closed state until it is specified that the front door frame 14 is in the closed state will be described.

Since the front door frame 14 is in the closed state this time, a negative determination is made in step S901, the process proceeds to step S902, and "3" is stored in the first front door frame counter area of the RAM 313.

In the following step S903, it is determined whether or not the second front door frame counter area of the RAM 313 is "0". This time, since the process is performed from the open state to the closed state of the front door frame 14 until the closed state is specified, the second front in step S911 when the front door frame 14 is in the open state. The number of closed specific reference times stored in the door frame counter area has not yet reached "0". Therefore, a negative determination is made in step S903, and the process proceeds to step S904.

In step S904, the value of the second front door frame counter area is subtracted by 1. In the following step S905, it is determined whether or not the value of the second front door frame counter area is "0". That is, until the front door frame 14 is changed from the open state to the closed state and the closed state is specified, the second front door frame counter is executed every time the front door frame opening signal monitoring process is executed. The area value is subtracted by 1. Further, since the front door frame opening signal monitoring process is executed as a part of the normal process, the execution cycle is about 4 msec. When the front door frame 14 is in the open state, "250" is stored in the second front door frame counter area in step S911. Therefore, in step S905, 1 sec has elapsed from the time when the front door frame 14 was closed and changed from the open state to the closed state (when the output of the front door frame opening signal from the front door frame opening switch 78 was stopped). It means that it is judged whether or not.

If the value of the second front door frame counter area is not "0", a negative determination is made in step S905, and the front door frame opening signal monitoring process is terminated as it is. If the value of the second front door frame counter area is "0", an affirmative determination is made in step S905, and the process proceeds to step S906. In step S906, it is determined whether or not the front door frame opening flag is stored in the front door frame opening flag storage area of the RAM 313. If the front door frame opening flag is not stored, the front door frame opening signal monitoring process is terminated as it is. If the front door frame open flag is stored, the process proceeds to step S907.

In step S907, the front door frame opening flag stored in the front door frame opening flag storage area is deleted. Thereby, it is specified in the CPU 311 that the front door frame 14 is in the closed state. In the following step S908, the front door frame state change flag is stored in the front door frame state change flag storage area of the RAM 313. Thereby, it is specified that the timing is specified in the CPU 311 that the front door frame 14 is in the closed state. In the following step S909, the front door frame closing command is set. The front door frame closing command is output to the payout control board 322 in the payout output process described later, and the front door frame 14 is closed by inputting the front door frame closing command in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322. Identify that.

After that, in step S910, the subcommand setting process is executed. In the subcommand setting process this time, the front door frame closing state command (information for front body closing notification) is output to the voice lamp control board 324, and the front body opening notification is terminated. After that, the front door frame opening signal monitoring process is completed.

As described above, in the pachinko machine 10, even if the front door frame opening information is deleted from the general-purpose register of the CPU 311, it is not immediately determined that the front door frame 14 is in the closed state, and it is set as a plurality of times. When the state without front door frame opening information is confirmed consecutively for the number of consecutive closing criteria, that is, when the state without front door frame opening information is confirmed over the closing specific reference period, the front door is confirmed. It is specified that the frame 14 is in the closed state. As a result, even though the front door frame 14 is not in the closed state, when the front door frame opening information is deleted from the second input port 352 or the general-purpose register due to noise or the like, the front door frame 14 is moved in the CPU 311. It prevents you from identifying it as closed.

Since the pachinko machine 10 has a configuration in which the payout of the game ball is stopped when the front door frame 14 is opened and the payout of the game ball is restarted when the front door frame 14 is closed, the front door is actually paid out. It is not preferable for the CPU 311 to specify that the front door frame 14 is in the closed state even though the frame 14 is not in the closed state. Further, when the front door frame closing command is output to the payout control board 322 due to the influence of noise or the like, the payout of the game ball is restarted even though the front door frame 14 is in the open state. Then, the game balls are connected from the position of the opening / closing member 124 of the main body frame 13 to the position of the payout device 224, and there is a concern that the payout device 224 may break down. On the other hand, according to this configuration, the possibility of such an inconvenience occurring is reduced.

Further, the period until the front door frame 14 is specified to be closed (specifically, 1 sec) is longer than the period until it is determined to be opened (specifically, 12 msec). This is due to the following reasons. That is, in the pachinko machine 10, as described above, the front door frame 14 is integrated with the window portion 21, the upper plate 33, and the lower plate 34 with respect to the front door frame 14. When is released, the payout of the game ball is stopped. This is because if the payout is not stopped, the game balls are connected from the position of the opening / closing member 124 provided on the main body frame 13 to the position of the payout device 224, and there is a concern that the payout device 224 may break down. Therefore, when the front door frame 14 is opened, it is necessary to stop the payout of the game ball from the payout device 224 at the earliest possible stage. On the other hand, when the front door frame 14 is changed from the open state to the closed state, for example, when a game ball is caught between the front door frame 14 and the main body frame 13, the front door frame 14 is repeatedly opened and closed. Can be considered. In this case, if the period until the front door frame 14 is specified to be closed is short, it becomes necessary to repeatedly start and stop the drive of the payout motor 257 provided in the payout device 224 each time the front door frame 14 is repeatedly opened and closed. , It may cause a ball jam or a failure of the payout motor 257. On the other hand, the above configuration reduces the possibility of such inconvenience.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, the determination of whether or not a prize has been generated is performed by calculating each input information in byte units, whereas the front door frame 14 is in an open state. The determination of whether or not the door is closed and the determination of whether or not the door is closed are performed by determining the passage of the open specific reference period and the closed specific reference period using the front door frame counter area 364. This is due to the following reasons. That is, in the pachinko machine 10, the open specific reference period and the closed specific reference period are set longer than the period until it is determined that a prize has been generated. In this case, if the method for determining whether or not a prize has been generated is applied to the determination of the open state and the closed state of the front door frame 14, it becomes necessary to provide a large number of storage areas for determination such as the register 381 for this time. If this happens, the storage capacity will be extremely increased, which is not preferable. In particular, since the storage capacity of the register of the CPU 311 is relatively small, it is difficult to perform using the register. Further, since it is necessary to perform the information shift process as shown in step S604 of the read process (FIG. 27), if a large number of storage areas for determination are provided, the processing load in the shift process increases accordingly. On the other hand, by using the front door frame counter area 364 for the determination of the elapse of the open specific reference period and the closed specific reference period, the elapse of the open specific reference period and the closed specific reference period can be determined well. It can be carried out.

In the main body frame opening signal monitoring process in step S804, the description of the specific processing contents for specifying the open state and the closed state of the main body frame 13 is omitted, but basically the front door frame opening signal monitoring process. Performs the same processing as.

<Prize ball permission signal monitoring process>
Next, the prize ball permission signal monitoring process in step S806 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, the prize ball permission signal will be described.

In the pachinko machine 10, as described above, the power supply and the power from the power supply unit 321c for power failure of the emission control board 321 are supplied to the RAM 313 of the main control board 301, but to the RAM 333 of the payout control board 322. Is not supplied. With this configuration, the capacity of the power supply unit 321c for power failure can be reduced, and the cost of the pachinko machine 10 can be reduced accordingly.

However, in this configuration, when the power supply from the external power source to the pachinko machine 10 is stopped, all the information stored in the RAM 333 of the payout control board 322 is erased (destroyed). In this case, if all the information on the number of unpaid prize balls is stored in the RAM 333 of the payout control board 322 as in the conventional pachinko machine, the pachinko machine 10 is provided with the number of unpaid prize balls. If the power supply is stopped, all the unpaid prize balls will be erased without being paid out. Then, it will cause a great disadvantage to the player.

On the other hand, in the pachinko machine 10, unpaid prize ball information is basically stored in the prize ball counter area 361 of the RAM 313 of the main control board 301, and the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 is the payout control board 322. When the prize ball permission signal is input from the CPU 331, the prize ball command is output to the CPU 331. Then, in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322, the information on the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 374 of the RAM 333 is, at the maximum, the maximum number of prize balls (15 prize balls) for one prize, which will be described later. The output start timing and output stop timing of the prize ball permission signal are set so as to be the sum of the number of permission reference numbers to be performed. In addition, this permission standard number is the minimum number of prize balls for one prize or less. As a result, even if the power supply to the pachinko machine 10 is stopped in a situation where a large number of unpaid prize balls remain, the number of prize balls erased at that time can be reduced as much as possible. That is, the prize ball permission signal is information output from the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 to the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 in order to specify the output timing of the prize ball command in the CPU 311 of the main control board 301.

By the way, in the prize ball permission signal monitoring process, first, in step S1001, it is determined whether or not the prize ball permission information indicating that the prize ball permission signal is input is stored in the 7th bit D7 of the first input port 351. To do. In the prize ball permission signal monitoring process, the information of the first input port 351 may be stored in a general-purpose register or a dedicated register of the CPU 311. In this case, whether or not the prize ball permission information is stored in the register. Is configured to be determined.

When the prize ball permission information is stored, the value stored in the prize ball permission counter area (means for grasping the permission opportunity) 365 of the RAM 313 of the main control board 301 is "5" in step S1002. Judge whether or not. The prize ball permission counter area 365 is due to the fact that when the prize ball permission information is stored in the first input port 351, the prize ball permission signal is actually output from the payout control board 322. This is for the CPU 311 to specify whether it is stored or stored due to a cause such as noise.

If the value of the prize ball permission counter area 365 is "5" or more, an affirmative determination is made in step S1002, and the main prize ball permission signal monitoring process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if the value of the prize ball permission counter area 365 is less than "5", a negative determination is made in step S1002, and the process proceeds to step S1003. In step S1003, after adding 1 to the value of the prize ball permission counter area 365, the main prize ball permission signal monitoring process is terminated.

Here, since the prize ball permission signal monitoring process is executed as a part of the normal process, the execution cycle is about 4 msec. Therefore, when the prize ball permission signal is output from the payout control board 322 and the value of the prize ball permission counter area 365 is less than "5", the value of the prize ball permission counter area 365 is 1 in a cycle of about 4 msec. Will be added. Further, by executing the process of step S1002, the value of the prize ball permission counter area 365 becomes "5" or more even in the situation where the output of the prize ball permission signal from the payout control board 322 is continued. In that case, the addition processing of the value of the prize ball permission counter area 365 is not executed.

If it is determined in step S1002 that the prize ball permission information is not stored, the value of the prize ball permission counter area 365 is cleared to "0" in step S1004, and then the main prize ball permission signal monitoring process is performed. To finish. That is, in the situation where the prize ball permission signal is not output from the payout control board 322, the value of the prize ball permission counter area 365 is maintained at "0".

<Output processing for payout>
Next, the payout output process executed in step S508 of the normal process (FIG. 22) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 33. The payout output process is a process for outputting various commands from the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 to the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322.

In the payout output process, first, in step S1101, it is determined whether or not the front door frame state change flag is stored in the front door frame state change flag storage area of the RAM 313 of the main control board 301. When the front door frame state change flag is stored, the front door frame state change flag is erased in step S1102, and the front door frame open command or the front door frame close command is issued in step S1103. After outputting to, the output processing for this payout is terminated.

On the other hand, in step S1101, if the front door frame state change flag storage area of the RAM 313 does not store the front door frame state change flag, a negative determination is made and the process proceeds to step S1104. In step S1104, it is determined whether or not the front door frame opening flag is stored in the front door frame opening flag storage area of the RAM 313. If the front door frame open flag is stored, the payout output process is terminated as it is.

When the front door frame opening flag is not stored, it is determined in step S1105 whether or not the value of the prize ball permission counter area 365 of the RAM 313 is “5” as the output permission reference number of times. Here, as described above, the value of the prize ball permission counter area 365 is the case where the prize ball permission signal is output from the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 and the value of the prize ball permission counter area 365 is less than "5". Is incremented by 1 at a cycle of about 4 msec. Further, the value of the prize ball permission counter area 365 is cleared to "0" when the output of the prize ball permission signal from the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 is stopped. Therefore, in step S1105, it is determined whether or not the output of the prize ball permission signal from the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 has continuously reached 20 msec as the output permission continuation period.

If the value of the prize ball permission counter area 365 is not "5", the main payout output process is terminated as it is. If the value of the prize ball permission counter area 365 is "5", is the prize ball information stored in any of the various counter areas 361a to 361d in the prize ball counter area 361 of the RAM 313 in step S1106? Determine if not. If the prize ball information is not stored in either of them, the output processing for this payout is terminated as it is.

When the prize ball information is stored in any of the counter areas 361a to 361d for various prize balls, the value of the prize ball permission counter area 365 is cleared to "0" in step S1107. After that, the prize ball command output process is executed in step S1108 to end the payout output process.

Here, the prize ball command output process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 34.

First, in step S1201, it is determined whether or not the value of the counter area 361a for 15 prize balls of the RAM 313 is "0". If it is not "0", it means that the non-execution information of the 15 prize balls is stored for the 15 prize balls. Therefore, in step S1202, the 15 prize ball commands are output to the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322. At the same time, the value of the counter area 361a for 15 prize balls is subtracted by 1. After that, the prize ball command output process is terminated.

If the value of the counter area 361a for 15 prize balls is "0" in step S1201, the process proceeds to step S1203. In step S1203, it is determined whether or not the value of the four prize ball counter area 361c of the RAM 313 is “0”. If it is not "0", it means that the non-execution information of the four prize balls is stored for the four prize balls. Therefore, in step S1204, the four prize ball commands are output to the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322. At the same time, the value of the counter area 361c for four prize balls is subtracted by 1. After that, the prize ball command output process is terminated.

If the value of the counter area 361c for four prize balls is "0" in step S1203, the process proceeds to step S1205. In step S1205, it is determined whether or not the value of the counter area 361d for the three prize balls of the RAM 313 is “0”. If it is not "0", it means that the non-execution information of the three prize balls is stored for the three prize balls. Therefore, in step S1206, the three prize ball commands are output to the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322. At the same time, the value of the counter area 361d for three prize balls is subtracted by 1. After that, the prize ball command output process is terminated.

If the value of the counter area 361d for three prize balls is "0" in step S1205, the process proceeds to step S1207. In step S1207, the 10 prize ball command is output to the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322, and the value of the 10 prize ball counter area 361b is subtracted by 1. After that, the prize ball command output process is terminated.

As described above, the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 cannot immediately specify that the output of the prize ball command is permitted in the payout control board 322 even if the prize ball permission information is stored in the first input port 351. It is confirmed that the prize ball permission information is continuously confirmed for the number of output permission reference times set as multiple times, that is, the prize ball permission signal is output over the output permission reference period of 20 msec. If it is, it is specified that the output of the prize ball command is permitted (identifies that the output is permitted). Then, by specifying that the output of the prize ball command is permitted, one prize ball command corresponding to one winning is output to the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322. By setting the output permission reference period in this way, as described above, when the prize ball permission information is stored in the first input port 351, it is the prize ball permission signal from the payout control board 322. Can be specified in the CPU 311 whether it is stored due to the output of the signal or due to noise or the like. Therefore, when the prize ball permission information is stored due to noise or the like, it is possible to prevent the prize ball command from being output.

In particular, as will be described later, the prize ball number storage area 374 of the RAM 333 of the payout control board 322 cannot store a prize ball number exceeding a predetermined maximum reference number. In this case, if the prize ball permission information is stored due to noise or the like and the prize ball command is output to it, the number of prize balls corresponding to the prize ball command is deleted without actually being paid out. It ends up. Then, it will be disadvantageous to the player. On the other hand, according to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of such inconvenience.

Here, as shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, the determination of whether or not a prize has occurred is performed by calculating each input information in byte units, whereas whether or not to output a prize ball command is performed. The determination is made by determining the passage of the output permission reference period using the prize ball permission counter area 365. This is due to the following reasons. That is, in the pachinko machine 10, the output permission reference period is set longer than the period until it is determined that a prize has been generated. In this case, if the method for determining whether or not a prize has been generated is applied to the prize ball permission signal, it becomes necessary to provide a large number of storage areas for determination such as the register 381 for this time. If this happens, the storage capacity will be extremely increased, which is not preferable. In particular, since the storage capacity of the register of the CPU 311 is relatively small, it is difficult to perform using the register. Further, since it is necessary to perform the information shift process as shown in step S604 of the read process (FIG. 27), if a large number of storage areas for determination are provided, the processing load in the shift process increases accordingly. On the other hand, when the elapse of the output permission reference period is determined, the elapse of the output permission reference period can be satisfactorily determined by using the prize ball permission counter area 365.

Further, by executing the process of step S1104 in the payout output process (FIG. 33), when the front door frame 14 is in the open state, the period during which the prize ball permission signal is input reaches the output permission reference period. Even if it is, the prize ball command is not output. In the pachinko machine 10, when the front door frame 14 is in the open state, the payout of the game ball is stopped. In this case, by not outputting the prize ball command when the front door frame 14 is in the open state, it is possible to prevent a new prize ball command from being output when the payout of the game ball is stopped. It will be possible.

In this pachinko machine 10, when the power supply from the external power supply is stopped, the information stored in the RAM 333 of the payout control board 322 is erased, so that the prize ball command is issued in the situation where the payout of the game ball is stopped. When it is output, if the power supply is stopped while the front door frame 14 is in the open state, the prize balls corresponding to the prize ball command are erased without being paid out. On the other hand, according to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of such inconvenience. It is not essential to prohibit the output of the prize ball command when the front door frame 14 is in the open state, and the prize ball command may be output when the front door frame 14 is in the open state.

Further, in the prize ball command output process (FIG. 34), the priority of the command output is set as follows for the prize ball information set in a plurality of types. That is, the priority was set in the order of (1) 15 prize ball information → (2) 4 prize ball information → (3) 3 prize ball information → (4) 10 prize ball information ((1) Highest priority, (4) lowest priority).

In the pachinko machine 10, the prize ball counter areas 361a to 361d of the RAM 313 of the main control board 301 are composed of 1 byte, and the number of memorable prize ball information has an upper limit, and each upper limit number is constant. It has become. On the other hand, the output of the prize ball command may be prohibited as in the case where the front door frame 14 is in the open state. On the other hand, by setting the priority regarding the output of the prize ball command as described above, the prize ball information corresponding to the prize is added to the prize ball counter areas 361a to 361d even though the prize has occurred. The possibility of inconvenience such as being erased without being done is reduced.

That is, of the general winning opening 82, the variable winning device 83, the upper operating port 84a, and the lower operating port 84b, the one with the highest possibility of generating a large number of prizes in a short time is the variable winning device 83 → the lower operating port 84b →. Upper operating port 84a → general winning opening 82 (the possibility of the variable winning device 83 is the highest, and the possibility of the general winning opening 82 is the lowest). It can be said that the higher the possibility that a large number of prizes will be generated in a short time, the higher the possibility that the above-mentioned inconvenience will occur. On the other hand, by setting the priority as described above, the prize ball information corresponding to the prize that is likely to generate a large number of prizes in a short time is preferentially output as the prize ball command. , The possibility of the above-mentioned inconveniences occurring is reduced.

The variable winning device 83 is opened in the jackpot state, and a large number of winnings are generated in a short time in the open state. Further, the lower operating port 84b is in an open state when the frequency is improved, and a large number of prizes are generated in a short time when the lower operating port 84b is in the open state. However, the number of winnings per unit time in the open state is larger in the variable winning device 83. Further, the upper operating port 84a is always in a state where a prize can be won, but a member that supports winning such as the variable winning device 83 and the lower operating port 84b is not provided, and the variable winning device 83 and the lower operating port 84a are not provided. The number of winnings per unit time when the opening 84b is opened is smaller in the upper operating port 84a than in the variable winning device 83 and the lower operating port 84b. Further, although the general winning opening 82 is always in a state where it is possible to win a prize, the nail 88 makes it more difficult to win a prize than the upper operating opening 84a.

<Processing configuration of CPU 331 of payout control board 322>
Next, the processing configuration in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 will be described. The processing of the CPU 331 is roughly divided into a main processing started when the power is turned on, an input interrupt processing started by inputting a command from the CPU 311 of the main control board 301, and periodically (in the present embodiment). There is a timer interrupt process that is started (at a cycle of 2 msec).

<Main processing>
The main process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This main process is started by resetting when the power is turned on.

First, in step S1301, the initial setting accompanying the power-on is executed. In the following step S1302, the initial display process is executed. In the initial display process, "0" is displayed as the initial display on the 7-segment display 242a provided on the payout control board 322.

In the following step S1303, RAM access is permitted, and in step S1304, the external interrupt vector is set. After that, in step S1305, the entire area of the RAM 333 is cleared to "0", and in step S1306, the initial setting of the CPU peripheral device is performed. In the following step S1307, interrupts are permitted. The series of processes in steps S1301 to S1307 above correspond to the start-up process in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322, and it takes, for example, 300 msec to complete the start-up process. The time required for the start-up process is not limited to 300 msec, and is arbitrary as long as it is shorter than the time required for the start-up process in the CPU 311 of the main control board 301.

After that, the process of step S1307 is repeatedly executed until the power supply is completely shut off and the process cannot be executed. By repeatedly executing the interrupt permission setting process in step S1307 in this way, even if the interrupt permission setting is canceled due to the influence of noise or the like and the interrupt permission setting is set, the interrupt permission state is restored again. It can be set again.

<Interrupt processing at input>
Next, the input interrupt processing executed by the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Here, the input interrupt processing is activated by inputting a command from the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 as described above. In this case, the command input from the CPU 311 is temporarily stored in the ring buffer provided in the RAM 333 of the payout control board 322. In the input interrupt processing, the command stored in the ring buffer is read, and the processing corresponding to the read command is executed.

By the way, in the input interrupt processing, first, it is determined whether or not the command input in step S1401 is an initial command. If it is an initial command, the initial display release process is executed in step S1402, and then the interrupt process at the time of this input is terminated. In the initial display release process, the initial display on the 7-segment display 242a is terminated.

If the input command is not the initial command, it is determined in step S1403 whether or not it is a prize ball command. If it is a prize ball command, the command storage process is executed in step S1404, and then the interrupt process at the time of this input is terminated. In the command storage process, the prize ball command input this time is stored in the command storage area 373 of the RAM 333 of the payout control board 322.

If the input command is not a prize ball command, it is determined in step S1405 whether or not it is a front door frame opening command. In the case of the front door frame opening command, the front door frame opening flag (front body opening information on the payout side) is set in the front door frame opening flag storage area (front body opening information storage means on the payout side) of the RAM 333 in step S1406. Is stored, the interrupt processing at the time of this input is terminated.

If the input command is not the front door frame opening command, it is determined in step S1407 whether or not the front door frame closing command is used. In the case of the front door frame closing command, after clearing the front door frame opening flag from the front door frame opening flag storage area of the RAM 333 in step S1408, the interrupt processing at the time of this input is terminated. If it is not the front door frame open command, the interrupt processing at the time of this input is terminated as it is.

The processing content of the input interrupt processing may be executed as a command determination processing in the timer interrupt processing described later, and the input interrupt processing may only read the command into the ring buffer.

<Timer interrupt processing>
Next, the timer interrupt process activated by the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322, for example, every 2 msec, will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 37.

First, in step S1501, the state return switch 245 is checked, and when it is determined that the state return operation has started, the state return operation is executed. After that, in step S1502, a full tank process is executed as a process related to the full state of the lower plate 34, in step S1503, a ball unnecessary process is executed as a process related to the ball state of the tank 221, and in step S1504, a prize ball is executed. The prize ball setting process is executed as the process related to the number setting, the ball lending setting process is executed as the process related to the ball lending setting in step S1505, and the payout number setting process is executed as the process related to the setting of the payout number in step S1506. Then, in step S1507, the payout control process is executed as the process related to the payout of the game ball, in step S1508, the prize ball permission signal setting process is executed as the process related to the setting of the prize ball permission signal, and in step S1509, the excitation voltage of the excitation voltage is executed. After executing the excitation voltage setting process as the process related to the setting, this timer interrupt process is terminated.

Hereinafter, the full tank processing in step S1502, the ball useless processing in step S1503, the prize ball setting processing in step S1504, the ball lending setting processing in step S1505, the payout number setting process in step S1506, the payout control process in step S1507, and step S1508. The prize ball permission signal setting process will be described in detail. The exciting voltage setting process in step S1509 will be described in detail later.

<Processing for full tank>
First, the full tank processing in step S1502 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 38. In the full tank processing, it is determined whether or not the lower plate 34 is full based on the detection result of the full tank detection sensor 59 provided in the lower plate passage 52 on the front door side to the lower plate 34, and various processes are executed. Will be done. Then, if the game ball is not detected by the full tank detection sensor 59, the processes after step S1602 are executed, and if the game ball is detected, the processes after step S1609 are executed. In the following description, for convenience, the processes after step S1609 will be described, and then the processes after step S1602 will be described.

In the full tank processing, first, in step S1601, it is determined whether or not a full tank detection signal is input from the full tank detection sensor 59. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the full tank detection information indicating that the full tank detection signal is input is stored in the input port of the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322.

When the full tank detection signal is input, in step S1609, the second full tank counter area in the full tank counter area 371 of the RAM 333 of the payout control board 322 is cleared to "0". The second full tank counter area is a counter for measuring the period during which the full tank detection signal is not continuously input from the full tank detection sensor 59. After that, in step S1610, the value of the first full tank counter area in the full tank counter area 371 is added by 1. The first full tank counter area is a counter for measuring the period during which the full tank detection signal is continuously input from the full tank detection sensor 59.

After step S1610, it is specified in step S1611 whether or not the first full tank counter area is "850" as a count value corresponding to the first full tank specific reference period. Here, the full tank processing is executed as a part of the timer interrupt processing, and the timer interrupt processing is started at a cycle of 2 msec as described above. Therefore, when the full tank detection signal is input from the full tank detection sensor 59, the first full tank counter area is incremented by 1 in a cycle of about 2 msec, so that the full tank detection signal is added for about 1.7 sec (in step S1611). It is determined whether or not it has continued for the first full tank specific reference period).

When the first full tank counter area is "850", it is specified that the lower plate 34 is in the full tank state, and the process proceeds to step S1612. That is, when the lower plate 34 is in a full tank state, the game balls are lined up in the lower plate passage 52 on the front door side, so that the game balls are continuously detected by the full tank detection sensor 59 and the full tank detection signal is output. Is continued. Then, by continuing for about 1.7 seconds in this state, it is specified that the lower plate 34 is in a full tank state. In this way, the period in which the lower plate 34 is specified to be full is set to 1.7 sec because if the period is extremely long, the game balls are connected to the position of the payout device 224 and the payout motor 257 and the like are used. This is because there is a risk of failure, and if the period is extremely short, the lower plate 34 may be identified as being full even though it is not full.

In step S1612, it is determined whether or not the full tank flag (full tank state information) is stored in the full tank flag storage area (full tank state information storage means) of the RAM 333. If the full tank flag is stored, the full tank processing is terminated as it is. If the full tank flag is not stored, the full tank flag is stored in step S1613 and the full tank state is set, and then the full tank processing is terminated. When the full tank state is set, the output of the full tank signal is started from the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 to the CPU 311 of the main control board 301, and the full tank signal is output while the full tank state is set. The state is maintained.

On the other hand, if the value of the first full tank counter area is not "850" in step S1611, the first full tank counter area becomes "count value corresponding to the second full tank specific reference period" in step S1614. It is determined whether or not it is "400". As described above, since the first full tank counter area is incremented by 1 in a cycle of about 2 msec, whether or not the full tank detection signal is continuously input for about 0.8 sec (second full tank specific reference period) in step S1614. Is determined.

If the first full tank counter area is not "400", the full tank processing is terminated as it is. When the first full tank counter area is "400", it is specified that the lower plate 34 may be full, and the process proceeds to step S1615. In step S1615, the full tank low speed flag (full tank low speed information) is stored in the full tank low speed flag storage area (full tank low speed information storage means) of the RAM 333. After that, the processing for full tank is completed.

By storing the full tank low speed flag, the CPU 331 sets the payout speed of the payout motor 257 from the normal cycle (specifically, paying out the game ball at intervals of 60 msec) to the low speed cycle as described later. (Specifically, the game ball is paid out at intervals of 1200 msec).

The reason why the payout speed of the payout motor 257 is switched to the low speed cycle in this way is as follows. That is, since the full tank detection sensor 59 is configured to continuously output the full tank detection signal while detecting the game ball, the full tank detection sensor 59 becomes when the interval between the game balls continuously paid out becomes narrow. From the viewpoint, the end of the detection period of one game ball is later than the start of the detection period of the next game ball. Then, even though the lower plate 34 is not in the full tank state, the full tank detection sensor 59 continuously outputs the full tank detection signal. Then, if this state continues, the lower plate 34 is specified to be in a full state.

On the other hand, as described above, by switching the payout speed of the payout motor 257 to a low speed cycle, the interval between the game balls that continuously pass through the lower plate passage 52 on the front door side becomes wider. More specifically, this interval is an interval that exceeds the detection range of the full tank detection sensor 59. Therefore, since the output of the continuous full tank detection signal is interrupted, it is possible to prevent the lower plate 34 from being identified as being full even though it is not full.

Returning to the description of the full tank processing, if the full tank detection signal is not input from the full tank detection sensor 59 in step S1601, the first full tank counter area is cleared to “0” in step S1602. After that, in step S1603, it is determined whether or not the full low speed flag is stored in the full low speed flag storage area of the RAM 333. If the full low speed flag is not stored, the process proceeds to step S1605 as it is, and if the full low speed flag is stored, the full low speed flag is cleared in step S1604 and then the process proceeds to step S1605.

By clearing the full tank low speed flag, the CPU 331 basically changes the payout speed setting of the payout motor 257 from the low speed cycle to the normal cycle. That is, when the full tank detection signal is continuously output from the full tank detection sensor 59 and the output of the full tank detection signal is interrupted by changing the payout speed of the payout motor 257 to a low speed cycle, The payout speed immediately returns to the normal cycle. As a result, in a configuration in which the payout speed of the payout motor 257 is changed to a low speed cycle as needed, it is possible to prevent the time required for payout of the game ball from becoming extremely long.

In the following step S1605, the second full tank counter area is added by 1. After that, in step S1606, it is determined whether or not the second full tank counter area is "250". Here, the second full tank counter area is incremented by 1 in a cycle of about 2 msec when the full tank detection signal is not input from the full tank detection sensor 59. Therefore, in step S1606, it is determined whether or not the state in which the full tank detection signal is not input continues for about 0.5 sec.

If the second full tank counter area is not "250", the main full tank processing is terminated as it is. On the other hand, when the second full tank counter area is "250", it is determined in step S1607 whether or not the full tank flag is stored in the full tank flag storage area of the RAM 333. If the full tank flag is not stored, the full tank processing is terminated as it is. If the full tank flag is stored, the full tank flag is cleared in step S1608, the full tank release state is set, and then the full tank processing is terminated. By setting the full tank release state, the output of the full tank signal from the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 to the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 is stopped, and the tank is full while the full tank release state is set. The signal output stop state is maintained.

Here, since the output of the full tank detection signal from the full tank detection sensor 59 is stopped in step S1606 and about 0.5 sec elapses before the process of step S1608 is executed, noise or the like is generated. It is possible to prevent it from being determined that the full tank state is released even though the game ball is actually waiting in the detection range of the full tank detection sensor 59 due to the influence of.

In addition, in step S1606, step S1611 and step S1614, it may be configured to determine whether or not it is equal to or greater than the determination value.

<No ball processing>
Next, the ball-free processing in step S1503 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 39. In the ball-free processing, it is determined whether or not the tank 221 is in a ball-free state based on the detection result of the ball-free detection sensor 223a provided on the case rail 223, and various processes are executed. Then, when the game ball is detected by the ball non-detection sensor 223a, the processes after step S1702 are executed, and when the game ball is not detected, the processes after step S1708 are executed. In the following description, for convenience, the processes after step S1708 will be described, and then the processes after step S1702 will be described.

In the ball-free processing, first, in step S1701, it is determined whether or not a ball-free detection signal is input from the ball-free detection sensor 223a. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the ball non-detection information indicating that the ball non-detection signal is input is stored in the input port of the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322.

When the ball-less detection signal is input, in step S1708, the second ball-free counter area in the ball-free counter area 372 of the RAM 333 of the payout control board 322 is cleared to "0". The second ball-free counter area is a counter for measuring the period during which the ball-free detection signal is not continuously input from the ball-free detection sensor 223a. After that, in step S1709, the value of the first ball-free counter area in the ball-free counter area 372 is added by 1. The first ball-free counter area is a counter for measuring the period during which the ball-free detection signal is continuously input from the ball-free detection sensor 223a.

After step S1709, it is specified in step S1710 whether or not the first ball non-counter area is "5000" as the count value corresponding to the first ball non-specific reference period. Here, the main ball useless process is executed as a part of the timer interrupt process, and the timer interrupt process is started at a cycle of 2 msec as described above. Therefore, when the ball non-detection signal is input from the ball non-detection sensor 223a, the first ball non-counter area is incremented by 1 at a cycle of about 2 msec, so that the ball non-detection signal is added for about 10 sec (first) in step S1710. It is judged whether or not it continues for the ball non-specific reference period).

When the first full-ball non-counter area is "5000", it is specified that the tank 221 is in a ball-free state, and the process proceeds to step S1711. That is, when the tank 221 is in a ballless state, the game balls are not lined up in the case rail 223, so that the game balls are not continuously detected by the ball non-detection sensor 223a, and the output of the ball non-detection signal is continued. Rail. Then, by continuing for about 10 seconds in this state, the tank 221 is specified to be in a ballless state.

In step S1711, it is determined whether or not the ballless flag (ballless state information) is stored in the ballless flag storage area (ballless state information storage means) of the RAM 333. If the no-ball flag is stored, the no-ball processing is terminated as it is. If the ball-less flag is not stored, the ball-free flag is stored in step S1712 and the ball-free state is set, and then the main ball-free process is terminated. When the ball-free state is set, the output of the payout abnormality signal is started from the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 to the CPU 311 of the main control board 301, and the payout abnormality signal is output while the ball-free state is set. The state is maintained.

On the other hand, if the value of the first ball non-counter area is not "5000" in step S1710, the first ball non-counter area is set as the count value corresponding to the second ball non-specific reference period in step S1713. It is determined whether or not it is "500". As described above, since the first ball-free counter area is incremented by 1 in a cycle of about 2 msec, whether or not the ball-free detection signal is continuously input for about 1.0 sec (second ball-free reference period) in step S1713. Is determined.

If the first ball-free counter area is not "500", the main ball-free processing is terminated as it is. When the first ball-less counter area is "500", it is specified that the tank 221 may be in a ball-free state, and the process proceeds to step S1714. In step S1714, the ball-free low-speed flag (ball-free low-speed information) is stored in the ball-free low-speed flag storage area (ball-free low-speed information storage means) of the RAM 333. After that, the main ball useless processing is completed.

By storing the ball no-low speed flag, the CPU 331 sets the payout speed of the payout motor 257 from the normal cycle (specifically, paying out the game ball at intervals of 60 msec) to a low speed cycle as described later. (Specifically, the game ball is paid out at intervals of 1200 msec).

The reason why the payout speed of the payout motor 257 is switched to the low speed cycle in this way is as follows. That is, ball clogging may occur in the tank 221. On the other hand, the tank 221 is provided with a vibration motor for vibrating the tank 221 in order to clear the ball clogging when the ball clogging occurs. If the ball clogging is not severe, the ball clogging is cleared by vibrating the tank 221 with a vibration motor. Then, it is considered that the elimination of the ball clogging is completed within 10 seconds.

In this situation, the payout speed of the payout motor 257 is switched to a low speed cycle when about 1.0 sec, which is the first ball non-specific reference period, elapses during the period when the game ball is not detected by the ball non-detection sensor 223a. As a result, there is a high possibility that the ball clogging will be cleared at the timing before all the game balls waiting on the upstream side of the rotating body 256 of the payout device 224 are exhausted. When all the game balls waiting on the upstream side of the rotating body 256 of the payout device 224 are exhausted, when the game balls are replenished from the tank 221 side toward the rotating body 256 again, the game balls are released. It falls through the case rail 223 and directly collides with the rotating body 256, and there is a concern that the rotating body 256 may malfunction. On the other hand, by switching the payout speed to a low speed cycle as described above, the possibility of such an inconvenience occurring is reduced.

Returning to the description of the ball-free processing, if the ball-free detection signal is not input from the ball-free detection sensor 223a in step S1701, the first ball-free counter area is cleared to "0" in step S1702. After that, in step S1703, the second ball-free counter area is added by 1. After that, in step S1704, it is determined whether or not the second ball-free counter area is "1500". Here, the second ball-free counter area is incremented by 1 at a cycle of about 2 msec when no ball-free detection signal is input from the ball-free detection sensor 223a. Therefore, in step S1704, it is determined whether or not the state in which the ball non-detection signal is not input continues for about 3.0 sec.

If the second ball-free counter area is not "1500", the main ball-free processing is terminated as it is. On the other hand, when the second ball-free counter area is "1500", the ball-free low-speed flag is deleted from the ball-free low-speed flag storage area of the RAM 333 in step S1705. By clearing the ball-less low-speed flag, the CPU 331 basically changes the payout speed setting of the payout motor 257 from the low-speed cycle to the normal cycle.

In the following step S1706, it is determined whether or not the ballless flag is stored in the ballless flag storage area of the RAM 333. If the no-ball flag is not stored, the no-ball processing is terminated as it is. If the ball-less flag is stored, the ball-free flag is cleared in step S1707, the ball-free state is set, and then the ball-free process is terminated. By setting the ball non-release state, the output of the payout abnormality signal from the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 to the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 is stopped, and the payout abnormality is performed while the ball non-release state is set. The signal output stop state is maintained.

Here, the processing of step S1705 and step S1707 is executed after waiting for about 3.0 seconds to elapse after the output of the ball non-detection signal from the ball non-detection sensor 223a is stopped in step S1704. , It is possible to prevent it from being determined that the ball non-state is released even though the game ball is not actually waiting in the detection range of the ball non-detection sensor 223a due to the influence of noise or the like.

<Prize ball setting process>
Next, the prize ball setting process in step S1504 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 40. In the prize ball setting process, the number of prize balls is specified from the prize ball command input from the CPU 331 of the main control board 301, and the specified number of prize balls is added to the prize ball number storage area 374 of the RAM 333 of the payout control board 322. Is executed.

In the prize ball setting process, first, in step S1801, it is determined whether or not the prize ball command is stored in the command storage area 373 of the RAM 333. If the prize ball command is not stored, the main prize ball setting process is terminated as it is. If the prize ball command is stored, the process proceeds to step S1802.

In step S1802, the arithmetic processing for the prize ball command is executed. Here, as already explained, four types of prize ball commands are set: 3 prize ball commands, 4 prize ball commands, 10 prize ball commands, and 15 prize ball commands, and each of these prize ball commands. Is composed of 2 bytes including upper information and lower information as shown in FIG. 25 (b). Then, each prize ball command is set so that the form of the information consisting of 1 byte when the addition of the upper information and the lower information is calculated is "FF". In step S1802, the above addition calculation is executed for the prize ball command stored in the command storage area 373 of the RAM 333. The addition calculation result is stored in the general-purpose register of the CPU 331.

In the following step S1803, the prize ball command stored in the command storage area 373 is deleted. In the following step S1804, it is determined whether or not the result calculated in step S1802 is normal. Specifically, it is determined whether or not it is "FF" in hexadecimal. If it is "FF", it means that the prize ball command this time is normal, so the process proceeds to step S1805.

On the other hand, if it is not "FF", the prize ball command this time is rewritten due to the influence of noise or the like in the middle of the command transmission path from the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 to the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322. Since it means that, the final prize ball setting process is terminated as it is. In this case, the prize ball command this time is deleted without being added to the prize ball number storage area 374 of the RAM 333 as information on the number of prize balls. As a result, it is possible to reduce the damage to the game hall or the like when the prize ball command is rewritten due to the influence of noise or the like. That is, in the prize ball command, the lower information corresponds to the information on the number of prize balls, but the lower information is rewritten. For example, the number of prize balls is 100 even though the number of prize balls should be three. There is a risk that it will end up. On the other hand, by not adding the prize ball command to the prize ball number storage area 374 of the RAM 333 as the prize ball number information as described above, the information rewritten by the noise or the like is added. It will disappear, and the damage to the game hall etc. will be reduced.

By the way, when the calculation result of the addition of the prize ball command is not "FF" in hexadecimal as described above, the predetermined number of prize balls for correction is added to the prize ball number storage area 374 of the RAM 333. You may do so. As the number of prize balls for correction, for example, the maximum number of prize balls (15 in the pachinko machine 10) among those actually set as the number of prize balls for winning can be considered. In this case, it is possible to prevent the player from being disadvantaged when the prize ball command is rewritten due to the influence of noise or the like. Further, it is conceivable that the minimum number of prize balls (three in the pachinko machine 10) is set as the number of prize balls for winning. In this case, if the prize ball command is rewritten due to the influence of noise or the like, the player can be compensated for the disadvantage of the player at the minimum. Further, it may be configured to be the average number of prize balls among those set as the number of prize balls for winning. In the case of using this average number of prize balls, a different number of correction prize balls is set for each gaming state. You may leave it.

Returning to the description of the prize ball setting process, in step S1805, the prize ball number specifying process is executed. Specifically, based on the information stored in the prize ball table storage area 332a of the ROM 332, it is specified which number of prize balls the prize ball command input this time corresponds to. In this case, the lower information of the prize ball command is compared with the prize ball table storage area 332a, and the number of prize balls is specified. The number of prize balls specified here is stored in the general-purpose register of the CPU 331 instead of the information of the prize ball command.

Here, the information of the prize ball command may not match any of the information of the prize ball table storage area 332a due to the influence of noise or the like. In order to deal with this, in the prize ball number specifying process, the prize ball number may be specified from the binary number information in the lower information of the prize ball command. Further, in the present configuration, when the specified number of prize balls is 15 or more, which is the maximum number of game media, the number is 15, and when the number is 14 to 10, the number is 10, and 9 to 4 pieces. If the number is 4, the number may be 4, and if the number is 3 to 1, the number may be 3.

In the following step S1806, the mask processing at the time of addition is executed. In the addition mask processing, the logical product calculation is executed so that the information on the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 374 of the RAM 333 is equal to or less than a predetermined number of prize balls for correction at the time of addition.

Here, as will be described later, the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 outputs the prize ball permission signal when the information on the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 374 is 3 or less as the permission reference number. Is started, and the prize ball command for it is input from the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 to output the prize ball permission signal when the information on the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 374 becomes 4 or more. To stop. Therefore, when the prize ball command is input from the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 and the prize ball number information is added to the prize ball number storage area 374, it is equal to or less than the permitted reference number stored in the prize ball number storage area 374. (Specifically, it should be 3 or less).

However, in the pachinko machine 10, noise or the like may be generated at various timings, and from the start of the output of the prize ball permission signal to the execution of the prize ball number addition process in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322. There is a risk that the information in the prize ball number storage area 374 will be rewritten. Then, for example, if the information in the prize ball number storage area 374 is originally three, but is rewritten to 131 or the like, it will cause a great disadvantage to the game hall. It ends up.

On the other hand, in the addition mask processing in step S1806, the logical product is such that the information on the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 374 is 3 or less as the number of prize balls for correction at the time of addition. Perform the operation. In this configuration, the number of prize balls for correction at the time of addition matches the number of permission criteria.

Specifically, the ROM 332 of the payout control board 322 stores in advance information for correction at the time of addition, which is composed of 1 byte, which is the same byte unit as the prize ball number storage area 374. The information for correction at the time of addition is "00000011". When this is expressed in decimal, it is "3". In the addition mask processing, the information of the prize ball number storage area 374 having a 1-byte configuration is called into the dedicated register for mask processing in the CPU 331, and the logical product of the called information with the addition correction information is calculated. Then, the calculation result is stored in the prize ball number storage area 374.

In this case, for example, when the information on the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 374 is "00000011" corresponding to three, the calculation result of the logical product with the correction information at the time of addition is " It becomes "000000001" and remains three. Further, when the information on the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 374 is "000000010" corresponding to two, the calculation result of the logical product with the information for correction at the time of addition is "000000010". It remains two. The information on the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 374 is maintained as it is in the case of 1 and 0 as well. That is, when the information on the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 374 is equal to or less than the permitted reference number, the information on the number of prize balls stored before the mask processing at the time of addition is maintained as it is. ..

On the other hand, for example, "1" (data 1) is set in the most significant bit of the information on the number of prize balls ("00000011") corresponding to three stored in the prize ball number storage area 374 due to the influence of noise or the like. It is conceivable that the number will be "10000011", which corresponds to 131 pieces. Even in this case, it becomes "00000011" by performing the operation of the logical product with the correction information at the time of addition. This information is the same as the information on the number of prize balls stored before being rewritten by noise.

As described above, when the number of prize balls is added, even if the information stored in the prize ball number storage area 374 exceeds the permitted standard number due to the influence of noise, it is less than the permitted standard number. It is possible to return to the information before it was rewritten due to the influence of noise. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the game hall from suffering a disadvantage, and it is also possible to prevent the player from suffering a disadvantage.

Returning to the explanation of the prize ball setting process, after executing the mask processing at the time of addition in step S1806, the information on the number of prize balls to be added in step S1807, that is, the information on the number of prize balls specified in step S1805 is obtained. Determine if it is 1 or more. If the information on the number of prize balls to be added is "0", the main prize ball setting process is terminated as it is. If the information on the number of prize balls to be added is not "0", the process proceeds to step S1808.

In step S1808, it is determined whether or not the information on the number of prize balls to be added is less than "16". If the information on the number of prize balls to be added is "16" or more, the main prize ball setting process is terminated as it is. If the information on the number of prize balls to be added is less than "16", the process proceeds to step S1809. By executing the processes of step S1807 and step S1808 as described above, if the information on the number of prize balls to be added is abnormal, it can be invalidated.

In the following step S1809, the process of adding the number of prize balls is executed. In the addition process, the information on the number of prize balls specified in step S1805 is added to the information on the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 374 after the mask processing at the time of addition in step S1806.

In the following step S1810, the prize ball number storage area in which the prize ball number information stored in the prize ball number storage area 374 after the addition process is executed in step S1809 is stored in the ROM 332 of the payout control board 322 in advance. It is determined whether or not the maximum number of prize balls of 374 is exceeded. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the information on the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 374 is "19" or more.

If the information on the number of prize balls is less than "19", the process proceeds to step S1812 as it is. If the information on the number of prize balls is "19" or more, the process proceeds to step S1811. In step S1811, the post-addition correction process is executed. Specifically, the information on the number of prize balls in the prize ball number storage area 374 is corrected to "18". As a result, when the information stored in the prize ball number storage area 374 exceeds the upper limit prize ball number due to the influence of noise or the like, it can be corrected to the upper limit prize ball number. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the game hall from suffering a disadvantage. Also, if the maximum number of prize balls is exceeded, the player may suffer a disadvantage by modifying the maximum number of prize balls instead of invalidating it (that is, setting it to "0"). Absent.

By executing each of the processes of step S1806, step S1807, step S1808, and step S1811, the abnormality in the number of prize balls can be carefully resolved. However, it is not essential to execute all these processes, and for example, it is not necessary to execute the processes of step S1807 and step S1808. Even in this case, the abnormality in the number of prize balls can be resolved by executing the processes of step S1806 and step S1811.

In the following step S1812, it is determined whether or not the prize ball low speed flag (prize ball low speed information) is stored in the prize ball low speed flag storage area (prize ball low speed information storage means) of the RAM 333. The prize ball low-speed flag means that the information on the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 374 is a switching reference number (specifically, "2") stored in advance in the ROM 332 of the payout control board 322. It is a flag that is stored when it becomes, and is deleted when the number of switching reference numbers is exceeded.

Here, in the pachinko machine 10, when the information on the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 374 becomes the switching reference number, the payout speed of the payout motor 257 is set in the normal cycle up to that point. It is configured to change from to low speed cycle. This is due to the following reasons. That is, in the situation where the information on the number of prize balls is not stored in the prize ball number storage area 374, the drive of the payout motor 257 is stopped. In this case, if the single-shot winning is repeatedly generated at a predetermined interval, it becomes necessary to repeatedly start and stop the drive of the payout motor 257. Since driving start of the payout motor 257 requires a larger driving force than when maintaining the drive state of the payout motor 257, it is not preferable that the drive start and drive stop of the payout motor 257 are repeatedly performed as described above. .. On the other hand, when the information on the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 374 becomes the switching reference number, the payout speed of the payout motor 257 is switched to a low speed cycle, so that a single prize can be won. Even if the prize balls are repeatedly generated at predetermined intervals, the possibility that the next prize will be generated while the prize balls of the switching reference number are being executed in a low speed cycle is increased, and the drive start and drive stop of the payout motor 257 are repeated. The possibility of being done is reduced.

A configuration is also conceivable in which the payout speed of the payout motor 257 is always low, but in this case, the payout speed of the game ball becomes chronically slow, and the player wins a prize even though the prize ball is paid out. It takes a considerable amount of time to receive the award, which is not preferable.

If the prize ball low speed flag is not stored in the prize ball low speed flag storage area in step S1812, the process proceeds to step S1814 as it is. On the other hand, when the prize ball low speed flag is stored, the process proceeds to step S1814 after the prize ball low speed flag is deleted from the prize ball low speed flag storage area in step S1813. By clearing the prize ball low speed flag, the information on the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 374 becomes the switching reference number, and the payout speed of the payout motor 257 set to the low speed cycle becomes the normal cycle. Will return to.

In step S1814, the error flag clearing process is executed. The error flag is, for example, a flag stored when an unanalyzable command is input from the CPU 311 of the main control board 301. The error flag is deleted in step S1814 when the prize ball command is normally input and the prize ball setting process for the prize ball command is executed. After executing the error flag erasing process in step S1814, the prize ball setting process ends.

<Ball rental setting process>
Next, the ball lending setting process in step S1505 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 41. In the ball lending setting process, the number of ball lending is specified based on the ball lending request signal input from the ball lending device Y through the ball lending connection terminal board 249, and the specified number of ball lending is lent to the RAM 333 of the payout control board 322. The process of adding to the ball number storage area 375 is executed.

In the ball lending setting process, first, in step S1901, it is determined whether or not the ball lending state flag (ball lending state information) is stored in the ball lending state flag storage area (ball lending state information storage means) of the RAM 333. The ball lending state flag is a flag used in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 to specify whether or not the ball lending request signal from the ball lending device Y is in the input standby state, and is in the input standby state. It is stored in and is deleted when it is no longer necessary to receive the ball rental request signal.

If the ball lending state flag is not stored, the ball lending state setting process of steps S1902 to S1906 is executed, and if the ball lending state flag is stored, the ball lending of steps S1907 to S1911 is executed. Execute processing during the state.

In the ball lending state setting process, first, in step S1902, it is determined whether or not the connection confirmation signal and the ball lending standby signal are input from the ball lending device Y. The connection confirmation signal is a signal indicating a state in which communication is possible with the payout control board 322 in the ball lending device Y. Further, as for the ball lending standby signal, the ball lending device Y holds the information of the unpaid ball lending (specifically, the card in which the unpaid ball lending information is stored and held is stored in the ball lending device Y. It is a signal for the payout control board 322 to grasp that the ball lending button 37 of the ball lending operation device 36 is being operated in the situation (inserted). The connection confirmation signal may not be provided.

If either the connection confirmation signal or the ball rental standby signal is not input, the main ball rental setting process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, when both the connection confirmation signal and the ball rental standby signal are input, it is determined in step S1903 whether or not there is a payout error state. The payout error state is a state corresponding to any of the front door frame open state, the lower plate full tank state, the tank ball no state, and the payout device abnormal state.

The determination is made by determining whether or not the front door frame open flag is stored in the front door frame open flag storage area of the RAM 333 when the front door frame is open, and when the lower plate is full, the RAM 333 is determined. It is performed by determining whether or not the full tank flag is stored in the full tank flag storage area, and for the tank ball-free state, it is determined whether or not the ball-free flag is stored in the ball-free flag storage area of the RAM 333. The payout device error state is determined by determining whether or not the payout device error flag is stored in the payout device error flag storage area of the RAM 333.

If there is a payout error state, the main ball rental setting process is terminated as it is. If it is not in the payout error state, it is determined in step S1904 whether or not the payout operation is in progress. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the payout motor 257 is stopped. The situation in which the ball lending state flag is not stored and the payout motor 257 is operating means that the payout of the prize ball is being executed. That is, it can be said that in step S1904, it is determined whether or not the prize ball is operating.

If the payout operation is in progress, the main ball rental setting process is terminated as it is. If the payout operation is not in progress, the output state of the ball lending permission signal is set in step S1905. As a result, the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 starts outputting the ball lending permission signal to the ball lending device Y, and the ball lending device Y inputs the ball lending permission signal to perform one operation of the ball lending button 37. Output the ball rental request signal based on. After that, in step S1906, the ball lending state flag is stored in the ball lending state flag storage area of the RAM 333, and then the main ball lending setting process is terminated. In the ball lending device Y, if the ball lending permission signal is not input for a predetermined period (for example, 2 sec) after the ball lending standby signal is output, the ball lending button 37 is not operated. Treat as.

In the ball lending state processing in steps S1907 to S1911, first, in step S1907, it is determined whether or not a ball lending request signal is input from the ball lending device Y. The ball lending request signal is a signal output when the ball lending device Y requests the payout of the ball lending device. If the ball rental request signal has not been input, the process proceeds to step S1909 as it is. When the ball rental request signal is input, the process proceeds to step S1909 after executing the addition process of the RAM 333 to the ball rental number storage area 375 in step S1908. In the addition process, information on the number of rented balls corresponding to 25 pieces corresponding to 100 yen is added to the number of rented balls storage area 375. That is, the ball lending device Y periodically outputs a ball lending request signal in response to the ball lending operation in the ball lending state, and the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 is predetermined each time the ball lending request signal is input. Information on the number of rented balls corresponding to the number of units is added to the number of rented balls storage area 375.

In step S1909, it is determined whether or not the end signal is input from the ball lending device Y. The end signal is a signal output when one ball lending operation is performed and the ball lending request signal is output five times, and the payout control indicates that the output of the ball lending request signal for one ball lending operation is completed. This is a signal to be recognized by the CPU 331 of the board 322. If the end signal has not been input, the main ball rental setting process is terminated as it is. When the end signal is input, the ball lending state flag is deleted from the ball lending state flag storage area of the RAM 333 in step S1910, and the output stop state of the ball lending permission signal is set in step S1911. The main ball rental setting process is completed.

As described above, the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 is set to the ball lending state when the payout error state is not present and the payout operation is not in progress in the situation where the ball lending standby signal is input from the ball lending device Y. .. In particular, by preventing the ball lending state from being set during the payout operation, even if the ball lending operation is performed by the ball lending operation device 36 while the prize ball is being paid out. The payout of prize balls can be prioritized.

Assuming a configuration in which the ball lending operation is prioritized when the ball lending operation is performed while the prize balls are being paid out, the prize ball number information is stored in the prize ball number storage area 374 of the RAM 333 of the payout control board 322. Despite the fact that is remembered, it becomes necessary to stop the payout of prize balls. In this case, when the pachinko machine 10 is in the power cut-off state, the information on the number of prize balls is erased because the power for power failure is not supplied to the RAM 333 of the payout control board 322 as described above. On the other hand, since the ball lending device Y has its own information holding function at the time of power failure (that is, the information of the unpaid ball lending is stored in the card), the prize ball is paid out. In this situation, by not inputting the ball lending request signal from the ball lending device Y, the information on the number of ball lending is held by the ball lending device Y, and even if the pachinko machine 10 is turned off, it can be rented. The information on the number of balls is not erased. In the above circumstances, even if the ball lending operation is performed in the situation where the prize balls are paid out, by giving priority to the prize ball payout, the information on the number of prize balls is deleted without actually being paid out. Is prevented.

<Payout quantity setting process>
Next, the payout number setting process in step S1506 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 42. In the payout number setting process, the information stored in the prize ball number storage area 374 or the loan number storage area 375 of the RAM 333 is stored in the payout number counter area of the RAM 333, which is an execution area when paying out the game balls. Will be executed.

In the payout quantity setting process, first, in step S2001, the payout setting mask process is executed. In the payout setting mask processing, the logical product calculation is executed so that the information on the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 374 of the RAM 333 is equal to or less than the predetermined number of prize balls for correction at the time of payout. ..

Here, as will be described later, the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 outputs the prize ball permission signal when the information on the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 374 is 3 or less, which is the permission reference number. Is started, and the prize ball command for it is input from the CPU 311 of the main control board 301, and the information on the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 374 becomes 4 or more as the disallowed reference number. Stops the output of the prize ball permission signal. Further, in the pachinko machine 10, the maximum number of prize balls for one prize is 15. In the above configuration, the maximum number of prize balls in the prize ball number storage area 374 is 18, which is the sum of the permission reference number and the maximum number of prize balls corresponding to winning.

However, in the pachinko machine 10, noise or the like may be generated at various timings, and after the prize ball number information is set in the prize ball number storage area 374 of the RAM 333 in the prize ball setting process (FIG. 40). Therefore, there is a possibility that the information in the prize ball number storage area 374 may be rewritten before the payout of the game balls corresponding to the prize balls is completed. Then, for example, if the information in the prize ball number storage area 374 is originally 10 pieces, but is rewritten to 131 pieces or the like, it will cause a great disadvantage to the game hall. It ends up.

On the other hand, in the payout setting mask processing in step S2001, the information on the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 374 is logically producted so as to be 31 or less as the number of prize balls for correction at the time of payout. Performs the operation of.

Specifically, the ROM 332 of the payout control board 322 stores in advance the payout correction information composed of 1 byte, which is the same byte unit as the prize ball number storage area 374. The information for correction at the time of payout is "00011111". When this is expressed in decimal, it is "31". In the payout setting mask processing, the information of the prize ball number storage area 374 having a 1-byte configuration is called into the dedicated register for mask processing in the CPU 331, and the logical product of the called information with the payout correction information is calculated. Then, the calculation result is stored in the prize ball number storage area 374.

In this case, for example, when the information on the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 374 is "00010001" corresponding to 17, the calculation result of the logical product with the information for correction at the time of payout is " It becomes "00010001" and remains at 17. Further, when the information on the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 374 is "000000101" corresponding to five, the calculation result of the logical product with the information for correction at the time of payout is "0000101". It remains five. The information on the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 374 is maintained as it is for all 18 or less, which is the maximum number of prize balls.

On the other hand, for example, even if the information on the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 374 is rewritten due to the influence of noise or the like and becomes "10000011" corresponding to 131 pieces, it is still the information for correction at the time of payout. By performing the operation of the logical product, it becomes "00000011".

As described above, when the payout number counter area 376 is set, even if the information stored in the prize ball number storage area 374 exceeds the payout correction information due to the influence of noise, it is paid out. The time correction information can be as follows. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the game hall from suffering a great disadvantage. Also, when the maximum number of prize balls is exceeded, it is not invalidated (that is, "0"), but it is the number obtained by calculating the correction information at the time of payout and the logical product, so that the player is not allowed. It is also possible to suppress the loss of profits.

By the way, the timer interrupt process is started every 2 msec by the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322, and the mask process at the time of payout setting is executed as a part of the timer interrupt process. Therefore, the mask processing at the time of payout setting is executed every 2 msec. That is, the mask processing at the time of payout setting is executed periodically. Further, while the payout of the game ball is basically executed in a cycle of 60 msec, the mask processing at the time of payout setting is executed every 2 msec as described above. Therefore, when the game balls are paid out, the mask processing at the time of payout setting is executed a plurality of times before one game ball is paid out, and the influence of noise can be satisfactorily reduced. Further, the mask processing at the time of payout setting is executed regardless of whether or not the payout of the game ball is being executed.

Returning to the description of the payout number setting process, in the following step S2002, it is determined whether or not the ball pulling operation is in progress. The ball pulling operation is an operation for discharging the game balls stored in the tank 221 to the outside of the pachinko machine 10.

Here, the procedure of the ball pulling operation will be described. First, the supply from the island facility to the tank 221 is stopped. After that, the front door frame 14 is opened, and a large number of game balls are manually obtained in the variable winning device 83. After that, by closing the front door frame 14, the payout control board is output from the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 in response to the output of the prize ball permission signal from the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 to the CPU 311 of the main control board 301. The prize ball command is output to the CPU 331 of the 322, and the game ball is paid out by the payout device 224.

After that, when the game balls stored in the tank 221 are exhausted, the ball non-detection sensor 223a outputs a ball non-detection signal, and the payout device 224 stops paying out the game balls. In this case, by operating the ball removal operation switch 223b provided on the case rail 223, the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 is set to the ball removal state. Specifically, the ball removal state flag is stored in the ball removal state flag storage area of the RAM 333. As a result, even in the situation where the ball non-detection signal is output from the ball non-detection sensor 223a, the payout of the game ball by the payout device 224 is restarted, and the payout device 224 is located downstream of the ball removal operation switch 223b. The game balls connected to the position of the payout motor 257 of the above are discharged. Then, when the game ball is discharged, the ball removal of the tank 221 is completed. At this time, the setting of the ball removal state is canceled. That is, the ball removal state flag stored in the ball removal state flag storage area of the RAM 333 is erased.

In step S2002, it is determined whether or not the ball removal state is set. If the ball removal state is not set, it is determined in step S2003 whether or not the payout error state is set. The payout error status has already been described. If there is a payout error state, the main payout quantity setting process is terminated as it is. As a result, the payout of the game ball is prevented from being executed in the payout error state.

If it is not in the payout error state, it is determined in step S2004 whether or not the retry operation is in progress. The retry operation is a process of rotating the rotating body 256 in the opposite direction to the normal state when the payout device 224 is clogged with a game ball. If the retry operation is in progress, the main payout quantity setting process is terminated as it is, and if the retry operation is not in progress, the process proceeds to step S2005.

In step S2005, it is determined whether or not the ball lending operation is in progress. The ball lending operation is a state in which the ball lending state flag is stored in the ball lending state flag storage area of the RAM 333, or a state in which the ball lending number information is stored in the ball lending number storage area 375 of the RAM 333. To say. When the ball lending status flag is stored or the ball lending number information is stored in the ball lending number storage area 375, in step S2006, the information of the ball lending number storage area 375 is stored in the payout number counter of the RAM 333. After updating to the area 376, the final payout quantity setting process ends.

On the other hand, when the ball lending status flag is not stored and the ball lending number information is not stored in the ball lending number storage area 375, the information of the prize ball number storage area 374 of the RAM 333 is stored in step S2007. After updating to the payout number counter area 376 of the RAM 333, the main payout number setting process is terminated. Further, even when the ball removal state is set in step S2002, the information of the prize ball number storage area 374 of the RAM 333 is updated to the payout number counter area 376 of the RAM 333 in step S2007, and then the main payout number is set. End the process.

<Payout control processing>
Next, the payout control process in step S1507 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 43. In the payout control process, a process of paying out the game ball is executed based on the information stored in the payout number counter area 376 of the RAM 333.

In the payout control process, first, in step S2101, the payout state setting process is executed. The drive signal output process is executed in the following step S2102. Here, the payout state setting process and the drive signal output process will be described. First, the payout state setting process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In the payout state setting process, first, in step S2201, it is determined whether or not there is a payout error state. The payout error status has already been described. In the case of a payout error state, the payout state setting process is terminated after the payout motor 257 is set to the stop state in step S2207. As a result, the output of the drive signal from the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 to the payout motor 257 is stopped, and the payout of the game ball by the payout device 224 is stopped. If the payout of the game ball has already been stopped, that state is maintained.

If there is no payout error state in step S2201, it is determined in step S2202 whether or not the value of the payout number counter area 376 of the RAM 333 is “0”. When the value of the payout number counter area 376 is "0", it means that there is no game ball to be paid out. Therefore, after the payout motor 257 is set to the stopped state in step S2207, the main payout is performed. The status setting process ends.

If the value of the payout number counter area 376 is not "0" in step S2202, it is determined in step S2203 whether or not it is in the retry state. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the retry flag is stored in the retry flag storage area provided in the RAM 333. In the retry state, when the game ball is not normally paid out, the rotating body 256 is rotated in a predetermined mode. For example, when the game ball is not paid out due to ball clogging or the like, the ball clogging is cleared by setting the retry state, and the game ball is normally paid out.

In the retry state, the payout motor 257 executes an operation dedicated to the retry state, so that the payout state setting process is terminated without executing any subsequent processes. If it is not in the retry state, it is determined in step S2204 whether or not the low speed flag is stored in any of the low speed flag storage areas of the RAM 333. That is, it is determined whether or not the full tank low speed flag is stored in the full tank low speed flag storage area, it is determined whether or not the ball non-low speed flag is stored in the ball non-low speed flag storage area, and the prize ball low speed flag is stored. It is determined whether or not the prize ball low speed flag is stored in the storage area.

If none of the low speed flags is stored, the payout state setting process ends after setting the payout speed of the payout motor 257 to the normal cycle in step S2206. By setting the payout speed of the payout motor 257 to the normal cycle, one game ball is paid out from the payout device 224 every 60 msec. If the normal cycle has already been set, that state is maintained.

On the other hand, when any of the low speed flags is stored, in step S2205, the payout speed of the payout motor 257 is set to a low speed cycle, and then the main payout state setting process is terminated. By setting the payout speed of the payout motor 257 to a low speed cycle, one game ball is paid out from the payout device 224 every 1200 msec. If the low-speed cycle is already set, that state is maintained.

Next, the drive signal output process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The drive signal output process is a process in which the CPU 331 outputs a one-pulse drive signal to the motor driver 334 based on the result of the payout state setting process, and drives and controls the payout motor 257.

In the drive signal output process, first, in step S2301, it is determined whether or not the vehicle is in the stopped state. If it is in the stopped state, the main drive signal output process is terminated as it is. If it is not in the stopped state, it is determined in step S2302 whether or not it is in the retry state. If it is not in the retry state, it is determined in step S2303 whether or not it is in the normal state.

In the normal state, a one-pulse drive signal is output to the motor driver 334 in step S2304. Here, the payout control process having the drive signal output process is executed as a part of the timer interrupt process (FIG. 37), and the timer interrupt process is started at a cycle of 2 msec. Therefore, each process in the drive signal output process. Is also started in a cycle of about 2 msec. Therefore, when the normal state is set, the drive signal of one pulse is output at a cycle of about 2 msec.

As described above, when the drive signal of 120 pulses is output from the CPU 331, the rotating body 256 advances 120 steps and makes one rotation, and when the rotating body 256 makes one rotation, two game balls are led out to the downstream side. To. Further, as described above, a total of two rotating bodies 256 are installed with a deviation of 90 degrees. As a result, one game ball is paid out by outputting a drive signal of 30 pulses. In the normal state, as described above, the drive signal of one pulse is output at a cycle of about 2 msec, so that one game ball is paid out from the payout device 224 at a cycle of 60 msec.

The output cycle of the drive signal in the normal state is not limited to 2 msec and is arbitrary. In this case, when the output cycle is set to a cycle later than 2 msec, for example, 6 msec, it is preferable to make a positive determination in step S2303 and then determine whether or not the output timing is for the normal state. ..

After outputting the one-pulse drive signal in step S2304, the process proceeds to step S2305 to update the information in the drive counter area 378 of the RAM 333. Specifically, the value of the drive counter area 378 is added by 1. After that, the main drive signal output process is terminated.

If it is not in the normal state in step S2303, it is determined in step S2306 whether or not the output timing is for the low speed state. If the output timing is not for the low speed state, the main drive signal output process is terminated as it is, and if the output timing is for the low speed state, a one-pulse drive signal is output to the motor driver 334 in step S2304.

In this case, whether or not the output timing is for the low speed state is determined by determining whether or not the negative determination is performed 20 times in the step S2306 after the low speed state is set. As described above, each process in the drive signal output process is started in a cycle of about 2 msec. Therefore, in step S2306, it is determined whether or not 40 msec has actually passed, and the drive signal of one pulse is output in a cycle of about 40 msec. To.

As described above, one game ball is paid out by outputting a drive signal of 30 pulses from the CPU 331. In the low speed state, as described above, the drive signal of one pulse is output at a cycle of about 40 msec, so that one game ball is paid out from the payout device 224 at a cycle of 1200 msec.

After outputting the one-pulse drive signal in step S2304, the process proceeds to step S2305 as described above to update the information in the drive counter area 378 of the RAM 333. After that, the main drive signal output process is terminated.

Here, regardless of whether the output cycle of the drive signal of one pulse is different in the normal state or the low speed state, the information in the drive counter area 378 is updated after the drive signal of one pulse is output, that is, the drive. The value of the counter area 378 is added by 1. The drive counter area 378 is used to drive and control the payout motor 257 in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322, and is used to identify an abnormality in the payout operation through the payout motor 257. When a 1-pulse drive signal is output to the drive counter area 378 having such a function in either the normal state or the low speed state, the value of the drive counter area 378 is added by 1 to the CPU 331. The processing related to the driving of the payout motor 257 and the processing related to the identification of the abnormality of the payout operation in the above shall correspond to the payout speed (payout cycle) from the payout device 224 while using the same electrical configuration and processing configuration. It becomes possible.

Returning to the description of the drive signal output process, if the retry state is in step S2302, the retry operation process is executed in step S2307, and then the drive signal output process is terminated. The process for retry operation will be described later.

Returning to the description of the payout control process (FIG. 43), after executing the drive signal output process in step S2102, the process proceeds to step S2103. In step S2103, the ball detection process is executed. In the ball detection process, it is determined whether or not the game ball is detected by the payout ball detection sensor 258 of the payout device 224. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the payout ball detection signal is input from the payout ball detection sensor 258.

After executing the ball detection process, in step S2104, it is determined whether or not the process result of the ball detection process is the process result indicating that the payout of one game ball is specified. When the payout of the game ball is not specified In step S2105, the payout monitoring process is executed, and then the payout control process is terminated. In the payout monitoring process, a process of determining whether or not the payout device 224 is normal is executed. The details of the payout monitoring process will be described later.

If the payout of the game ball is specified by the ball detection process, the process proceeds to step S2106 to execute the initialization process. In the initialization process, the information used for executing the retry operation process is initialized. The details of the initialization process will be described later.

In the following step S2107, it is determined whether or not the ball lending operation is in progress. If the ball lending operation is not in progress, the payout control process ends after the prize ball subtraction process of steps S2108 to S2112 is executed. On the other hand, when the ball lending operation is in progress, the payout control process ends after the ball lending subtraction process of steps S2113 to S2114 is executed.

In the prize ball subtraction process, first, in step S2108, the value of the prize ball number storage area 374 of the RAM 333 is subtracted by 1, and in the subsequent step S2109, the value of the payout number counter area 376 of the RAM 333 is subtracted by 1. After that, in step S2110, it is determined whether or not the value of the prize ball number storage area 374 is "2" or less. If it is not "2" or less, the main payout control process is terminated as it is. If it is "2" or less, in step S2111, it is determined whether or not the prize ball low speed flag is stored in the prize ball low speed flag storage area of the RAM 333. If the prize ball low speed flag is stored, the main payout control process is terminated as it is, and if the prize ball low speed flag is not stored, the prize ball low speed flag is stored in the prize ball low speed flag storage area in step S2112. After that, the final payout control process is terminated.

Further, in the ball lending subtraction process, first, in step S2113, the value of the ball lending number storage area 375 of the RAM 333 is decremented by 1, and in the subsequent step S2114, the value of the payout number counter area 376 of the RAM 333 is decremented by 1. , End the payout control process.

<Prize ball permission signal setting process>
Next, the prize ball permission signal setting process in step S1508 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the prize ball permission signal setting process, a process of setting the output stop and output start of the prize ball permission signal from the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 to the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 is executed.

In the prize ball permission signal setting process, first, in step S2401, it is determined whether or not the information on the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 374 of the RAM 333 is 3 or less, which is the permission reference number. If there are four or more, the prize ball permission signal setting process is terminated after setting the prize ball disapproval state (output disapproval state) in step S2407.

Regarding the setting of the prize ball disapproval state, specifically, the prize ball permission status flag (prize ball permission information or output permission) is set in the prize ball permission status flag storage area (prize ball permission information storage means or output permission information storage means) of the RAM 333. When information) is stored, the prize ball permission status flag is cleared and the output of the prize ball permission signal is stopped (output of the prize ball permission signal from the output means for outputting the prize ball permission signal). To stop). In the state where the prize ball permission state flag is cleared, the output of the prize ball permission signal from the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 to the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 is stopped, and that state is maintained.

In this pachinko machine 10, since the state in which the prize ball permission signal is output is the HI level signal output state, the state in which the output of the prize ball permission signal is stopped is the LOW level signal output state. .. However, when the state in which the prize ball permission signal is output is the output state of the LOW level signal, the state in which the output of the prize ball permission signal is stopped may be the output state of the HI level signal. Further, the state in which the output of the prize ball permission signal is stopped may be set to the state in which no signal is output for the signal path.

On the other hand, in step S2401, when the information on the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 374 is 3 or less, which is the permitted reference number, whether or not the ball removal operation is in progress in step S2402. To judge. If the ball is not being pulled out, it is determined in step S2403 whether or not it is in a payout error state.

If the payout error state is set, the prize ball permission signal setting process is terminated after setting the prize ball disapproval state in step S2407. By setting the prize ball disapproval state in the payout error state in this way, the output of the prize ball permission signal is stopped and the output of the prize ball command is prohibited in the payout error state.

As described above, the payout of the game ball is stopped in the payout error state. Further, in the pachinko machine 10, when the power supply from the external power source is stopped, the information stored in the RAM 333 of the payout control board 322 is erased. Therefore, if the prize ball command is output in the payout error state, the prize ball corresponding to the prize ball command will be deleted without being paid out if the power supply is stopped while the payout error state is continued. .. That is, in the configuration in which the prize ball command is output in the payout error state, there is a high possibility that the prize balls corresponding to the prize ball command will be deleted without being paid out. On the other hand, according to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of such inconvenience.

If there is no payout error state in step S2403, it is determined in step S2404 whether or not the full low speed flag is stored in the full low speed flag storage area of the RAM 333. Further, in step S2405, it is determined whether or not the ball-free / low-speed flag is stored in the ball-free / low-speed flag storage area of the RAM 333.

When either the full tank low speed flag or the ball non-low speed flag is stored, the prize ball permission signal setting process ends after setting the prize ball disapproval state in step S2407. By setting the prize ball disapproval state in the full tank low speed state or the ball non-low speed state in this way, the output of the prize ball permission signal is stopped in the full tank low speed state or the ball non-low speed state, and the prize ball command Output is prohibited.

As described above, the full tank low speed state or the ball non-low speed state is a state set as a pre-stage when there is a high possibility that a payout error state will occur thereafter. Then, in the payout error state, the payout of the game ball is stopped. Further, in the pachinko machine 10, when the power supply from the external power source is stopped, the information stored in the RAM 333 of the payout control board 322 is erased. Therefore, if the prize ball command is output in the payout error state, the prize ball corresponding to the prize ball command will be deleted without being paid out if the power supply is stopped while the payout error state is continued. .. That is, in the configuration in which the prize ball command is output in the payout error state, there is a high possibility that the prize balls corresponding to the prize ball command will be deleted without being paid out. On the other hand, as in this configuration, when it is determined that there is a high possibility that a payout error state will occur, the output of the prize ball permission signal is stopped and the output of the prize ball command is prohibited, so that the payout error state occurs. The output of the prize ball command can be prohibited before the above, and the possibility of the above-mentioned inconvenience occurring is dramatically reduced.

If the full low-speed flag is not stored in step S2404 and the ball-free low-speed flag is not stored in step S2405, the prize ball permission state (output permission state) is set in step S2406. Later, the final prize ball permission signal setting process is terminated. Further, even when the ball pulling operation is being performed in step S2403, the prize ball permission signal setting process is terminated after setting the prize ball permission state in step S2406.

Regarding the setting of the prize ball permission status Specifically, when the prize ball permission status flag is not stored in the prize ball permission status flag storage area of the RAM 333, the prize ball permission status flag is stored and the prize ball permission signal is output. (Starts the output of the prize ball permission signal from the output means for outputting the prize ball permission signal). In the state where the prize ball permission state flag is stored, the output of the prize ball permission signal from the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 to the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 is started, and the state is maintained. That is, in the state where the ball removal operation is not in progress, the information on the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 374 of the RAM 333 is 3 or less, which is the permitted reference number, and further, a payout error state and a full tank low speed. The output of the prize ball permission signal is continued when the state and the ball are not in the low speed state.

<About the output of the prize ball command for the prize ball permission signal>
Next, the state of output of the prize ball command with respect to the prize ball permission signal will be described with reference to the time chart of FIG. 47. In the description using the following time chart, the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 is referred to as the main CPU 311 and the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 is referred to as the payout side CPU 331. Further, the RAM 313 of the main control board 301 is referred to as a main RAM 313, and the RAM 333 of the payout control board 322 is referred to as a payout side RAM 333. Further, in the explanation using FIG. 47, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that only the prizes corresponding to four prize balls out of the plurality of types of prizes are generated.

First, a case where a single prize is generated will be described.

In a situation where the prize ball permission signal has already been output from the payout side CPU 331 to the main side CPU 311 and a prize is generated at the timing of t1, the main side CPU 311 outputs four prize ball commands to the payout side CPU 331. As a result, information on the number of four prize balls is stored in the payout side RAM 333, and when the number of prize balls exceeds the permitted standard number (reaching the disallowed standard number), the output of the prize ball permission signal is stopped, and the game ball The payout is started.

After that, the payout of one game ball is executed at the timing of t2, so that the information on the number of prize balls stored in the payout side RAM 333 becomes three, which is the permission reference number. As a result, the output of the prize ball permission signal is started. After that, the payout of one game ball is further executed at the timing of t3, so that the information on the number of prize balls stored in the payout side RAM 333 becomes two of the switching reference number. As a result, the payout speed of the payout motor 257 is switched from the normal cycle up to that point to the low speed cycle. After that, the payout of the two game balls is executed by the timing of t4, so that the information on the number of prize balls stored in the payout side RAM 333 becomes 0. As a result, the output of the drive signal to the payout motor 257 is stopped, and the payout of the prize ball is completed.

Next, a case where a prize is generated again in a situation where the payout speed of the payout motor 257 is a low cycle after a single prize is generated will be described.

In a situation where the prize ball permission signal has already been output from the payout side CPU 331 to the main side CPU 311 and a prize is generated at the timing of t5, the main side CPU 311 outputs four prize ball commands to the payout side CPU 331. As a result, information on the number of four prize balls is stored in the payout side RAM 333, and when the number exceeds the permission reference number, the output of the prize ball permission signal is stopped and the payout of the game balls is started.

After that, the payout of one game ball is executed at the timing of t6, so that the information on the number of prize balls stored in the payout side RAM 333 becomes three of the permission reference number. As a result, the output of the prize ball permission signal is started. After that, the payout of one game ball is further executed at the timing of t7, so that the information on the number of prize balls stored in the payout side RAM 333 becomes two of the switching reference number. As a result, the payout speed of the payout motor 257 is switched from the normal cycle up to that point to the low speed cycle.

After that, when a new prize is generated at the timing of t8, which is within the range where the information on the number of prize balls stored in the payout side RAM 333 does not become 0, four prize balls are generated from the main CPU 311 to the payout side CPU 331. The command is output. As a result, information on the number of four prize balls is stored in the payout side RAM 333, and the output of the prize ball permission signal is stopped when the number of prize balls exceeds the permission reference number, and the payout motor 257 is paid out when the number of switching reference balls is exceeded. The speed is restored from the low speed cycle to the normal cycle.

Next, a case where winnings occur consecutively will be described.

As described above, when a new prize is generated at the timing of t8, four prize ball commands are output from the main CPU 311 to the payout side CPU 331. As a result, the information on the number of prize balls stored in the payout side RAM 333 becomes five by adding a new number of prize balls to the number of prize balls stored up to that point.

After that, by the timing of t9, the payout of the two game balls is executed, so that the information on the number of prize balls stored in the payout side RAM 333 becomes three, which is the permission reference number. As a result, the output of the prize ball permission signal is started. In this case, winning is continuously generated by the timing of t9, and a plurality of information on the four prize balls is stored in the main RAM 313. After that, four prize ball commands are output from the main CPU 311 to the payout side CPU 331 at the timing of t10, which is the timing before the new game ball is paid out. Further, at the timing of t11, the information on the number of prize balls stored in the payout side RAM 333 becomes three, which is the permission reference number, and the output of the prize ball permission signal is started. After that, at the timing of t12, which is the timing before the new game ball is paid out, the main CPU 311 outputs four prize ball commands to the payout side CPU 331.

That is, in a situation where the prize ball information is already stored in the main RAM 313, when the information on the number of prize balls stored in the payout side RAM 333 becomes the permission reference number and the output of the prize ball permission signal is started, A prize ball command is output from the main CPU 311 to the payout side CPU 331 at a timing before the new game ball is paid out, and the information on the number of prize balls stored in the payout side RAM 333 exceeds the permitted standard number. Become.

This is due to the following reasons. The payout speed of the payout motor 257 according to the normal cycle is set so that one game ball is paid out at intervals of 60 msec. On the other hand, in the payout side CPU 331, the time required until the information on the number of prize balls stored in the payout side RAM 333 becomes the permission reference number and the output of the prize ball permission signal is started is the execution time of the timer interrupt process. It is within the range of 2 msec, which is within the range of. Further, the time required for the main CPU 311 to output the prize ball command specified that the output of the prize ball command is permitted based on the input of the prize ball permission signal is within the range of 20 msec to 24 msec. .. Further, in the payout side CPU 331, the time required until the prize ball command is input from the main side CPU 311 and the information on the number of prize balls corresponding to the prize ball command is added to the payout side RAM 333 is the execution time of the timer interrupt process. It is within the range of 2 msec, which is within the range of. In addition, even if the time required for transmission of the prize ball permission signal and the prize ball command and the error in the processing time are included, the information on the number of prize balls stored in the payout side RAM 333 becomes the permission reference number, and then thereafter. It takes about 40 msec at the maximum for the information on the number of prize balls stored in the payout side RAM 333 to exceed the permitted reference number by inputting the prize ball command. This is shorter than 60 msec, which is the time required for the payout of one game ball to be executed. That is, when the output of the prize ball permission signal is started in the situation where the prize ball information is already stored in the main RAM 313, the prize ball command is output at the timing before the new game ball is paid out. The processing time for the prize balls in the main CPU 311 and the payout side CPU 331 is set so that the information on the number of prize balls stored in the payout side RAM 333 exceeds the permitted reference number.

Further, in the above configuration, the permission reference number that triggers the output of the prize ball permission signal from the payout side CPU 331 to the main side CPU 311 serves as a trigger for switching the payout speed of the payout motor 257 from the normal cycle to the low speed cycle. One game ball is set more than the number of switching reference numbers. As a result, in a situation where a plurality of prize ball information is stored in the main RAM 313, the prizes stored in the payout side RAM 333 until all the output of each prize ball command corresponding to the prize ball information is executed. The information on the number of balls does not reach the switching reference number. Therefore, the payout side CPU 331 outputs the prize ball permission signal to the main side CPU 311 and the main side CPU 311 outputs only one prize ball command corresponding to one winning to the payout side CPU 331. In the configuration, it is possible to prevent the payout speed of the payout motor 257 from being switched from the normal cycle to the low speed cycle even though the prize ball information is stored in the main RAM 313, and the payout of the game ball is smooth. Can be done.

Returning to the description of FIG. 47, after that, at the timing of t13, the information on the number of prize balls stored in the payout side RAM 333 becomes three of the permission reference numbers, and the output of the prize ball permission signal is started. Further, by further executing the payout of one game ball at the timing of t14, the information of the number of prize balls stored in the payout side RAM 333 becomes two of the switching reference number, and the payout speed of the payout motor 257 becomes high. The normal cycle up to that point can be switched to the low speed cycle. After that, at the timing of t15, the information on the number of prize balls stored in the payout side RAM 333 becomes 0, the output of the drive signal to the payout motor 257 is stopped, and the payout of the prize balls is completed.

<Payout monitoring process>
Next, the payout monitoring process in step S2105 in the payout control process (FIG. 43) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 48.

In step S2501, it is determined whether or not the payout device is in an abnormal state. Specifically, it is performed by determining whether or not the payout device abnormality state flag is stored in the payout device abnormality state flag storage area provided in the payout side RAM 333. The payout device abnormal state is a state set when the game ball is not normally paid out by the end of the retry state described later. By setting the payout device abnormal state, it is assumed that the payout error state is set, and the state of the payout motor 257 is set to the stopped state. As a result, the payout of the game ball is stopped.

If it is determined in step S2501 that the payout device is not in an abnormal state, the process proceeds to step S2502. In step S2502, it is determined whether or not the retry state is in effect. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the retry flag is stored in the retry flag storage area provided in the payout side RAM 333. If it is in the retry state, the payout monitoring process is terminated.

If it is determined in step S2502 that the retry state is not established, the process proceeds to step S2503. In step S2503, it is determined whether or not the value of the drive counter area 378 is "30". If the value of the drive counter area 378 is not "30", the payout monitoring process ends.

If the value of the drive counter area 378 is "30" in step S2503, the process proceeds to step S2504. In step S2504, the retry state is set. Specifically, the retry flag is stored in the retry flag storage area provided in the payout side RAM 333. When the retry flag is stored, the payout monitoring process ends.

As described above, the payout monitoring process is executed when the payout ball cannot be detected in step S2104 in the payout control process (FIG. 43). Here, the retry state is set when the value of the drive counter area 378 becomes "30". The case where the value of the drive counter area 378 becomes "30" is a case where the rotating body 256 is advanced by the number of steps (30 steps) that the game ball should originally be paid out. Therefore, in the present payout monitoring process, the retry state is set when the game ball is not paid out even though the rotating body 256 has rotated by the number of steps that the game ball should originally be paid out.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2501 that the payout device is in an abnormal state, the process proceeds to step S2505. In step S2505, it is determined whether or not there is an abnormality release operation. Here, the abnormality release operation means that the state return switch 245 having a function as an abnormality release operation unit in the payout control device 242 is operated for a predetermined period (for example, 20 msec). When the state return switch 245 is operated for a predetermined period, the rotating body 256 reverses by 16 steps and then rotates forward by 44 steps. When the payout of the game ball is detected in this operation, it is determined that there is an abnormality release operation.

The abnormality release operation is not limited to the above, and for example, a dedicated abnormality release operation unit or the RAM erase switch 247 may be operated. Further, at the time of the abnormality release operation, at least the information regarding the payout of the game ball stored in the payout side RAM 333 may be erased.

If the error release operation has not been performed, the main payout monitoring process is terminated as it is. If the abnormality release operation has been performed, the payout monitoring process is terminated after the process of step S2506 is executed. In step S2506, the payout device abnormality flag is cleared as the release of the payout device abnormality state. Further, in step S2506, various initialization processes are executed. In various initialization processes, the flag stored in the retry state, the value of the counter used in the retry state, and the like are initialized.

<Process for retry operation>
The retry operation process in the drive signal output process (FIG. 45) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The retry operation process is set to a low-speed process in which the rotating body 256 is rotated forward at a low speed, and an alternate operation process in which forward rotation and reverse rotation are repeated at a low speed after the low-speed process is completed.

First, in step S2601, it is determined whether or not the low speed start flag is stored. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the low-speed start flag is stored in the low-speed start flag storage area provided in the payout side RAM 333. The low-speed start flag is stored when the low-speed processing in the retry operation processing is started.

If the low-speed start flag is not stored in step S2601, it means that the low-speed processing has not been started after the retry state has been set. In this case, the process proceeds to step S2602. In step S2602, the value of the drive counter area 378 is cleared to "0". In the following step S2603, the low speed start flag is stored in the low speed start flag storage area. When the low-speed start flag is stored, the process for this retry operation ends.

On the other hand, if the low speed start flag is stored in step S2601, the process proceeds to step S2604. In step S2604, it is determined whether or not the alternate flag is stored in the alternate flag storage area provided in the payout side RAM 333. The alternating flag is a flag stored when the processing for alternating operation is executed. If the alternating flag is not stored, the process proceeds to step S2605.

In step S2605, it is determined whether or not the output timing is for the low speed state. If the output timing is for the low speed state, the process proceeds to step S2606. In step S2606, a one-pulse drive signal is output to the motor driver 334. In this case, whether or not the output timing is for the low speed state is determined by determining whether or not the negative determination is performed 20 times in step S2605 after the low speed state is set. As described above, each process in the drive signal output process is started in a cycle of about 2 msec. Therefore, in step S2606, it is determined whether or not 40 msec has actually passed, and the drive signal of one pulse is output in a cycle of about 40 msec. To.

When the drive signal is output in step S2606, the process proceeds to step S2607. In step S2607, the value of the drive counter area 378 is updated. Specifically, the value of the drive counter area 378 is incremented by 1.

If it is determined in step S2605 that the output timing is not for the low speed state, or if the value of the drive counter area 378 is updated in step S2607, the process proceeds to step S2608. In step S2608, it is determined whether or not the value of the drive counter area 378 is "10". If the value of the drive counter area 378 is not "10", the process for this retry operation is terminated.

If the value of the drive counter area 378 is "10" in step S2608, the process proceeds to step S2609. In step S2609, the value of the drive counter area 378 is cleared to "0". In the following step S2610, the alternating flags are stored in the alternating flag storage area provided in the payout side RAM 333. After that, the process for this retry operation is terminated.

Here, determining whether or not the value of the drive counter area 378 is "10" in step S2608 determines whether or not it is the end timing of the low-speed processing in the retry operation processing, and the drive counter area 378 is determined. When the value of is "10", the low-speed processing is terminated and the alternating operation processing is started. As described above, the value of the drive counter area 378 is incremented by 1 when the drive signal is output. Therefore, determining whether or not the value of the drive counter area is "10" is determining whether or not the drive signal is output 10 times, that is, whether or not the rotating body 256 has advanced by 10 steps. As a result, when the low-speed processing is executed, the 10-step rotating body 256, which is smaller than the number of steps for paying out one game ball, rotates forward.

By storing the alternating flag in step S2610, an affirmative determination is made in step S2604. In this case, the process proceeds to step S2611. In step S2611, the process for alternating operation is executed. When the processing for alternating operation is executed, the processing for this retry operation is terminated.

The processing for alternating operation will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, in step S2701, it is determined whether or not the alternate start flag is stored in the alternate start flag storage area provided in the payout side RAM 333. If the alternate start flag is not stored, the process proceeds to step S2702. In step S2702, the alternate start flag is stored in the alternate start flag storage area. In the following step S2703, the reverse flag is stored in the reverse flag storage area provided in the payout side RAM 333. When the reverse flag is stored, the processing for this alternate operation ends. By storing the reversing flag, a reversing state for reversing the rotating body 256 is set.

If it is determined in step S2701 that the alternate start flag is stored, the process proceeds to step S2704. In step S2704, it is determined whether or not the reverse rotation flag is stored. If the reverse flag is stored, the process proceeds to step S2705.

In step S2705, it is determined whether or not it is the output timing of the drive signal for the reverse rotation state. If it is the output timing of the drive signal for the reverse state, the process proceeds to step S2706. In step S2706, a drive signal for reversing the rotating body 256 by one pulse is output to the motor driver 334. In this case, whether or not the output timing is for the reverse state is determined by determining whether or not the negative determination is performed 20 times in step S2706. As described above, since each process in the drive signal output process is started in a cycle of about 2 msec, it is determined in step S2706 whether or not 40 msec has actually passed, and the drive signal of one pulse is output in a cycle of about 40 msec. To.

If the drive signal is output in step S2706, the process proceeds to step S2707. In step S2707, the value of the drive counter area 378 is updated. Specifically, the value of the drive counter area 378 is incremented by 1.

If it is determined in step S2705 that the output timing is not for the reverse state, or if the process of step S2707 is executed, the process proceeds to step S2708. In step S2708, it is determined whether or not the value of the drive counter area 378 is "50". Determining whether or not the value of the drive counter area 378 is "50" determines whether or not it is the timing to end the reverse rotation state. If the value of the drive counter area 378 is not "50", this alternating operation process ends.

If the value of the drive counter area 378 is "50", the process proceeds to step S2709. In step S2709, the value of the drive counter area 378 is cleared to "0". In the following step S2710, the reverse flag stored in the reverse flag storage area is erased. When the process of step S2710 is executed, the process for this alternate operation is terminated.

Here, the drive signal is output at a cycle of 40 msec as described above. Therefore, in the reverse state, the reverse is performed in the same state as in the low speed state. Further, when the value of the drive counter area 378 is "50", the reverse rotation state ends. Therefore, when the reverse state is set, the rotating body 256 is reversed by 50 steps.

If the reverse flag is not stored in step S2704, the process proceeds to step S2711. Hereinafter, in steps S2711 to S2718, a process for rotating the rotating body 256 in the normal direction in the process for alternating operation is executed.

In step S2711, it is determined whether or not it is the output timing of the drive signal for the normal rotation state. If it is determined that the output timing is for the normal rotation state, the process proceeds to step S2712. In step S2712, a one-pulse drive signal for rotating the rotating body 256 in the normal direction is output to the motor driver 334. In this case, whether or not the output timing is for the normal rotation state is determined by determining whether or not the negative determination is performed 20 times in step S2711 after the normal rotation state is set. As described above, since each process in the drive signal output process is started in a cycle of about 2 msec, it is determined in step S2711 whether or not 40 msec has actually passed, and the drive signal of one pulse is output in a cycle of about 40 msec. To. In the following step S2712, the value of the drive counter area 378 is updated. Specifically, the value of the drive counter area 378 is incremented by 1.

If it is determined in step S2711 that the output timing is not for the normal rotation state, or if the value of the drive counter area 378 is updated in step S2713, the process proceeds to step S2714. In step S2714, it is determined whether or not the value of the drive counter area 378 is "50". Determining whether or not the value of the drive counter area 378 is "50" determines whether or not it is the timing to end the normal rotation state. If the value of the drive counter area 378 is not "50", this alternating operation process ends.

If the value of the drive counter area 378 is "50", the process proceeds to step S2715. In step S2715, the value of the drive counter area 378 is cleared to "0". In the following step S2716, the forward rotation counter update process is executed. In the forward rotation counter update process, the value of the forward rotation counter area provided in the payout side RAM 333 is incremented by one. The value of the forward rotation counter area is for grasping the number of times the normal rotation state has ended in the process for alternating operation.

In step S2717, it is determined whether or not the value of the forward rotation counter area is “3”. If the value of the forward rotation counter area is not "3", the process proceeds to step S2718. In step S2718, the reverse flag is stored in the reverse flag storage area. When the reverse flag is stored, the processing for this alternate operation ends.

Since the reverse flag is stored in step S2718, an affirmative determination is made in step S2704, and the processing of steps S2705-step S2710 is executed. As a result, the reverse state is set after the normal rotation state is completed.

If the value of the forward rotation counter area is "3" in step S2717, the process proceeds to step S2719. In step S2719, the payout device is set to the abnormal state. Specifically, the payout device error flag is stored in the payout device error flag storage area. As a result, the state of the payout motor 257 is set to the stopped state. When the payout device abnormal state is set, the processing for this alternate operation is terminated.

In step S2717, an affirmative determination is made when the value of the forward rotation counter area is “3”. That is, when the flow of the reverse rotation state → the normal rotation state is repeated three times, an affirmative determination is made, and the payout device abnormal state is set in step S2719. When the payout device abnormal state is set, the payout device abnormal state is maintained until it is determined in step S2505 in the above payout monitoring process (FIG. 48) that there is an abnormality release operation.

In addition, the rotating body 256 rotates 50 steps in each state when the reverse rotation state → the normal rotation state is repeated. This is a number of steps that is larger than the number of steps corresponding to the payout of one game ball, and is larger than the number of steps that the rotating body 256 rotates forward when the low-speed control is executed in the retry state. Further, the amount of rotation of the rotating body 256 is set to be equal in each of the reverse rotation state and the normal rotation state.

The explanation is supplemented about the case where forward rotation and reverse rotation are performed. In the present embodiment, the game ball passage 253 and the accommodating portion 255 are formed so that the game ball reaches the recess 256a when the rotating body 256 is reversed by 50 steps. Specifically, the boundary between the game ball passage 253 and the accommodating portion 255 is opened more than one game ball, and the game ball can easily reach the recess 256a when the rotating body 256 is reversed. .. After that, the rotating body 256 rotates forward by 50 steps, and the game ball is led out to the downstream side, so that the game ball is paid out when the forward rotation and the reverse rotation are performed.

<Initialization process>
The initialization process executed in step S2106 in the payout control process (FIG. 43) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In step S2801, the value of the drive counter area 378 is cleared to "0". In the following step S2802, various initialization processes are executed. In these various initialization processes, when the payout of the game ball is detected in the retry state, the process of canceling the retry state is executed. Specifically, the retry flag storage area is cleared so as to cancel the retry state. It also clears each of the storage areas that store the low-speed start flag, alternate start flag, alternate start flag, and reverse flag that can be set in the retry state. Further, the value of the forward rotation counter area is cleared to "0". After executing various initialization processes, this initialization process ends. If the flag storage area is cleared while the flag is not stored, the state in which the flag is not stored is maintained.

<About the state when the retry state is set>
The state when the retry state is set will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG.

First, the game ball is paid out at the timing of t21. Then, when the game ball is not paid out at the timing of t22 when the rotating body 256 is rotated by 30 steps, the retry state is set.

When the retry state is set at the timing of t22, the rotation speed of the payout motor 257 is switched from high speed to low speed. Then, the state in which the rotating body 256 rotates normally in the state of being switched to the low speed is maintained until the timing of t23. The rotating body 256 rotates 10 steps in the period from the timing of t22 to the timing of t23.

Here, the period from the timing of t22 to the timing of t23 is longer than the period from the timing of t21 to the timing of t22. More specifically, the period from the timing of t21 to the timing of t22 is 60 msec, whereas the period from the timing of t22 to the timing of t23 is 400 msec. Therefore, the period from the timing of t22 to the timing of t23 is longer than the period until one game ball is paid out while the rotating body 256 is rotating at high speed. Further, in the period from the timing of t22 to the timing of t23, the rotating body 256 rotates only 10 steps, and the amount of rotation is smaller than that of the 30 steps set so that the game ball is paid out.

At the timing of t24, the rotating body 256 reverses at a low speed by 50 steps, and the reverse state in the alternating operation process ends. Then, the normal rotation state in the processing for alternating operation is set. The period from the timing of t23 to the timing of t24 is longer than the period from the timing of t21 to the timing of t22, and longer than the period from the timing of t22 to the timing of t23. Further, it is longer than the period from the timing of t21 to the timing of t23.

At the timing of t25, the rotating body 256 rotates forward by 50 steps at a low speed, and the normal rotation state in the alternating operation process ends. Then, the reverse state in the alternating operation process is set again. The period from the timing of t24 to the timing of t25 is longer than the period from the timing of t21 to the timing of t22, and longer than the period from the timing of t22 to the timing of t23. Further, it is longer than the period from the timing of t21 to the timing of t23.

<Driving method of stepping motor 400>
Next, the stepping motor 400 used as the payout motor 257 for payout will be described in detail on the premise of forward rotation.

First, the electrical configuration related to the drive control of the stepping motor 400 will be described. FIG. 53 is a block diagram showing a drive system of the stepping motor 400.

As shown in FIG. 53, as a power source for the stepping motor 400, a power supply and a power supply unit 321a for turning on, which is provided on the emission control board 321 are used. The power supply unit 321a for power-on is connected to an AC 24V of an external power supply, and has a voltage conversion circuit 411 configured by a diode bridge or the like as a circuit for generating a DC voltage from an AC voltage.

The DC voltage generated by the voltage conversion circuit 411 is converted to + 12V by the 12V generation circuit 412 configured by a DC-DC converter, a transformer, or the like. The 12V generation circuit 412 has a predetermined power supply capacity. Further, the DC voltage is also converted to + 5V by the 5V generation circuit 413 having a predetermined power supply capacity.

In the 5V generation circuit 413, a power supply path 413a is formed between the 5V generation circuit 413 and the CPU 331, and 5V logic power is supplied from the 5V generation circuit 413 to the CPU 331. Further, in the 12V generation circuit 412, a power supply path 412a is formed between the 12V generation circuit 412 and the stepping motor 400. A pulse generation IC 410 is provided on this path.

The pulse generation IC 410 applies a 12V voltage generated by the 12V generation circuit 412 to the stepping motor 400 as a constant voltage (constant output state) and a pulse voltage having a predetermined duty ratio to the stepping motor 400. It has a function to switch between the operating state (pulse output state). In this case, the pulse generation IC 410 has a signal supply path 331a formed with the CPU 331, and switching between the constant output state and the pulse output state in the pulse generation IC 410 is controlled to be output from the CPU 331. It is done based on the signal.

Further, the CPU 331 has a signal supply path 331b formed between the CPU 331 and the motor driver 334 for switching the excitation state of the stepping motor 400. When data for driving is given from the CPU 331 to the motor driver 334 through the signal supply path 331b, the motor driver 334 puts the stepping motor 400 in an excited state according to the data.

The power supply and the launch control board 321 are also provided with a power supply unit 321c for power failure, but they are not used as a power supply for the stepping motor 400.

Next, the structure of the stepping motor 400 will be described. FIG. 54 is a schematic view showing the operating principle of the stepping motor 400.

In this embodiment, as the stepping motor 400, a hybrid (HB) type two-phase stepping motor that employs a 1-2 phase excitation method is used. The stepping motor is not limited to the hybrid type and the two-phase, and various stepping motors such as a four-phase or five-phase stepping motor can be used.

The hybrid type stepping motor 400 is composed of a rotor (rotor) 401 arranged in the center and first to fourth poles 402 to 405 arranged around the rotor 401.

The rotor 401 is composed of a front rotor 401a magnetized on the north pole and a back rotor 401b magnetized on the south pole, and teeth (small teeth) and teeth provided around the front rotor 401a. It is attached to the rotating shaft in a state of being relatively shifted by 1/2 pitch so that the teeth provided around the inner rotor 401b are located between the two. A tubular magnet (not shown) is attached between the front rotor 401a and the rear rotor 401b.

The exciting coil L20 and the exciting coil L22 are bifilar wound around the first pole 402 and the third pole 404, and the winding end end of the exciting coil L20 and the winding start end of the exciting coil L22 are connected to each other, where the 12V generation circuit 412 is connected. + 12V generated in is applied. Similarly, the exciting coil L21 and the exciting coil L23 are bifilar wound around the second pole 403 and the fourth pole 405, and the winding end end of the exciting coil L21 and the winding start end of the exciting coil L23 are connected to each other. Is applied.

Next, a method of exciting the stepping motor 400 will be described.

An excitation signal is applied to the exciting coil L20 of the first pole 402 to excite the first pole 402 to the S pole and the third pole 404 to the N pole as the A phase, and conversely, the third pole. A phase in which an excitation signal is applied to the exciting coil L22 of the 404 to excite the first pole 402 to the N pole and the third pole 404 to the S pole is referred to as an inverse A phase. Similarly, an excitation signal is applied to the exciting coil L21 of the second pole 403, the phase that excites the second pole 403 to the S pole and the fourth pole 405 to the N pole is defined as the B phase, and vice versa. A phase in which an excitation signal is applied to the exciting coil L23 of the fourth pole 405 to excite the second pole 403 to the N pole and the fourth pole 405 to the S pole is referred to as an inverted B phase.

When the stepping motor 400 is a one-phase excitation drive system, the rotor 401 is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise by sequentially applying excitation signals to the A phase, the B phase, the inverse A phase, and the inverse B phase. It can be driven.

That is, for example, when the A phase is first energized, the protrusion of the first pole 402 which has become the S pole and the tooth of the front rotor 401a, and the protrusion of the third pole 404 which has become the N pole and the tooth of the back rotor 401b, respectively. When facing each other by suction force and then energizing the B phase, the protrusion of the second pole 403 that became the S pole and the teeth of the front rotor 401a, and the protrusion of the fourth pole 405 that became the north pole and the teeth of the back rotor 401b When they face each other by suction force and then energize the reverse A phase, the protrusion of the first pole 402 that has become the north pole and the teeth of the rotor 401b on the back side, and the protrusion of the third pole 404 that has become the south pole and the front side. When the teeth of the rotor 401a face each other by suction force and then the reverse B phase is energized, the protrusion of the second pole 403 that becomes the north pole, the teeth of the inner rotor 401b, and the fourth pole 405 that becomes the south pole The protrusions and the teeth of the front rotor 401a face each other by suction force. By exciting in this order, the rotor 401 rotates clockwise in FIG. 54.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 55, a 1-2 phase excitation drive in which 1-phase excitation and 2-phase excitation are alternately performed is adopted. In the 1-2 phase excitation drive, excitation is performed according to the following excitation patterns (1) to (8).

As shown in FIG. 55, the 1-2 phase excitation drive involves (1) energizing the A phase (1 phase excitation), (2) energizing both the A phase and the B phase (2-phase excitation), and (3). Energize the B phase (1 phase excitation), (4) energize both the B phase and the inverse A phase (2 phase excitation), (5) energize the inverse A phase (1 phase excitation), (6) reverse Energize both A-phase and inverse B-phase (2-phase excitation), (7) energize inverse B-phase (1-phase excitation), (8) energize both inverse B-phase and A-phase (2-phase excitation) ), And then returns to (1). The drive is performed by the CPU 331 outputting the drive signal data corresponding to each excitation pattern to the motor driver 334.

By adopting this 1-2 phase excitation drive, the angle change when changing the excitation pattern of (1) to (8) by one pattern is about 3 °. That is, the number of steps required for one rotation is 120.

The drive signal (drive signal data) for the stepping motor 400 is given to the motor driver 334 as excitation data. This excitation data is stored in the ROM 332, and the excitation data is output to the motor driver 334 in the drive signal output processing routine described above.

The excitation order pointer provided in the RAM 333 is used to grasp the excitation order described above. The exciting order pointer is a pointer used when determining the exciting phase for the stepping motor 400. Which excitation data is output from the CPU 331 to the motor driver 334 at which phase excitation is specified by the value (0 to 7) of the excitation order pointer. The value of the excitation order pointer at the start of rotation is set so that it is incremented by 1 each time the excitation data is output from the CPU 331, and becomes 0 after 7.

Next, the setting of the exciting voltage according to the driving state of the stepping motor 400 will be described. The output of the pulse generation IC 410 is set by the voltage for driving and the voltage for stopping in the exciting voltage setting process performed by the timer interrupt processing already described with reference to FIG. 37.

The exciting voltage setting process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, in step S3101, the CPU 331 determines whether or not the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned on. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the initial command is input from the main control board 301.

In step S3101, when the power is turned on, the process proceeds to step S3107, the stopped signal is output to the pulse generation IC 410, the drive state flag is set to "0" in step S3108, and then this The exciting voltage setting process is completed.

If it is not the timing when the power is turned on, in step S3102, it is determined whether or not the drive state flag provided in the RAM 333 is "1". When the drive state flag is "1", it indicates that the stepping motor 400 is being driven, and when it is "0", it indicates that it is stopped.

If the drive state flag is not "1" in step S3102, it is determined in step S3103 whether or not it is the timing to switch to the drive state. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the value of the payout number counter area 376 provided in the RAM 333 is "0" and whether or not it is in a payout error state. If the value of the payout number counter area 376 is not "0" and is not in the payout error state, it is determined that it is the timing to switch to the drive state. The payout error status has already been described.

In step S3103, if it is not the timing to switch to the drive state, the main excitation voltage setting process is terminated as it is.

If it is the timing to switch to the drive state in step S3103, the process proceeds to step S3105 after outputting the drive signal to the pulse generation IC 410 in step S3104. When the driving signal is input, the pulse generation IC 410 applies a constant + 12V to the exciting coils L20 to 23. After that, in step S3105, the drive state flag is set to "1", and then the main excitation voltage setting process is terminated.

If the drive state flag is "1" in step S3102, the process proceeds to step S3106, and it is determined whether or not it is the timing to switch to the stopped state. The timing for switching to the stopped state is determined based on whether or not the time from when the braking start condition is satisfied until the braking is completed and the stepping motor 400 is stopped has elapsed. The braking start condition is when the value of the payout number counter area 376 provided in the RAM 333 becomes "0" or when a payout error state occurs, and the measurement of the reference time for the switching timing starts at that timing. When the measurement is completed, it is determined that the switching timing is reached.

In step S3106, if it is not the timing to switch to the stopped state, the main exciting voltage setting process is terminated as it is.

In step S3106, when it is the timing to switch to the stopped state, the process proceeds to step S3107, and the stopped signal is output to the pulse generation IC 410. When the stopped signal is input, the pulse generation IC 410 applies a + 12V pulse voltage, which will be described later, to the exciting coils L20 to 23. After that, in step S3108, the drive state flag is set to "0", and the main exciting voltage setting process is completed.

Next, the output voltage of the pulse generation IC 410 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 57. FIG. 57 is a timing chart for explaining the exciting voltage when the stepping motor 400 operates and stops.

Note that FIG. 57A shows the output voltage of the pulse generation IC 410, and FIG. 57B shows the driving state of the stepping motor 400.

During the power failure of the pachinko machine 10, that is, during the period until the timing of t0, the output voltage is 0V because the power is not supplied to the pulse generation IC 410.

When the pachinko machine 10 is powered off, a stop signal is input from the CPU 331 to the pulse generation IC 410 as the power is turned on to the pachinko machine 10 at the timing of t0. As a result, the output of the + 12V pulse voltage by the pulse generation IC 410 is started. In this case, the pulse generation IC 410 generates and outputs a + 12V pulse voltage by + 12V supplied from the power supply unit 321a at the time of power supply.

When the stepping motor 400 is stopped, the value of the payout number counter area 376 becomes 1 or more at the timing of t1, and the drive signal is input from the CPU 331 to the pulse generation IC 410. As a result, the output of the + 12V constant voltage by the pulse generation IC 410 is started. In this case, the pulse generation IC 410 outputs + 12V supplied from the power supply unit 321a at the time of power-on as a constant voltage.

After that, when the stop of the stepping motor 400 is completed at the timing of t2, the stop signal is input from the CPU 331 to the pulse generation IC 410. As a result, the output of the + 12V pulse voltage by the pulse generation IC 410 is started.

After that, while the stepping motor 400 is stopped, the value of the payout number counter area 376 becomes 1 or more at the timing of t3, so that a drive signal is input from the CPU 331 to the pulse generation IC 410. As a result, the pulse generation IC 410 starts outputting a constant voltage of + 12V.

In detail, the maximum value of the pulse voltage is + 12V, the period and the pulse width are constant, and the average voltage value is the same as or substantially the same as 5V.

Since the pulse voltage has a section of 0V in one cycle, the required power supply capacity is smaller and the power consumption can be reduced as compared with the case where the constant voltage of + 12V is continuously output. That is, the power supply capacity of the 12V generation circuit 412 is sufficient with the power supply capacity during operation of the stepping motor 400. A configuration in which excitation is performed at + 5 V so as not to cause an erroneous rotation due to an external force while the stepping motor 400 is stopped is conceivable, but the same result can be obtained by using a + 12 V pulse voltage. As a result, it is not necessary to secure the power supply capacity of the 5V generation circuit 413 for the exciting voltage when the stepping motor 400 is stopped, and the power supply capacity corresponding to that amount can be effectively used for other purposes. For example, when the circuit scale of the CPU increases due to the addition of a complicated effect in the next model, it can be used as a power source for the increased logic. As a result, the increase in the power supply circuit can be suppressed, and the increase in cost can be suppressed.

Next, an excitation method depending on the driving state of the stepping motor 400 will be described.

First, the exciting voltage during driving of the stepping motor 400 will be described. While the stepping motor 400 is being driven, the voltage applied to the exciting phase is + 12V constant voltage as shown in the exciting orders 1 to 11 in FIG. 58, and is supplied from the pulse generation IC 410. Further, the stepping motor 400 is driven by repeating the above-mentioned excitation pattern.

Next, a driving method during braking of the stepping motor 400 will be described. When braking the stepping motor 400, as shown in the excitation order 21 to 24 in FIG. 58, the stepping motor 400 is stopped by one-phase excitation, and during the stop, one-phase excitation by a + 12 V pulse voltage is performed on the same exciting phase as during braking.

By braking by one-phase excitation instead of two-phase excitation when braking the stepping motor 400 in this way, the rotation speed may drop sharply due to a strong braking force, and inconvenience such as turbulence in rotation may occur. It can be reduced. Further, by applying a + 12V pulse voltage to the exciting coils L20 to 23 while the stepping motor 400 is stopped, the rotor 401 can be fixed so as not to rotate. This makes it possible to assist the rotor 401 from stopping when the braking force during braking is weak, and to prevent the rotor 401 from accidentally rotating due to unexpected vibration in the hall and ejecting the game ball. Become.

Next, an excitation method at the start of driving the stepping motor 400 will be described.

When the driving of the stepping motor 400 is started, the driving is started by two-phase excitation with a constant voltage of + 12V as shown in the excitation orders 30 to 33. This is because initial excitation by 1-phase excitation or excitation by + 12V pulse voltage may not provide sufficient rotational torque and rotation may become unstable. Therefore, as initial excitation, 2-phase excitation by + 12V constant voltage may occur. Is preferable. As described above, by setting the initial excitation to two-phase excitation by + 12V constant voltage instead of + 12V pulse voltage, a rotation torque larger than that of one-phase excitation can be obtained, so that from the acceleration state to the constant speed rotation state. It is possible to shorten the time.

According to the present embodiment described in detail above, the following excellent effects are obtained.

In the pachinko machine 10, the payout ball detection sensor 258 is prevented from normally detecting the game ball when or in the state where the payout operation of the rotating body 256 is performed, so that the RAM 333 has a RAM 333. It is assumed that there is a fraudulent act of paying out more game balls than the number corresponding to the information stored in the payout number counter area 376 (or the prize ball number storage area 374 or the loan number storage area 375).

Specifically, regarding the fraudulent activity, a fraudulent jig is arranged at the position of the payout ball detection sensor 258 from, for example, the lower plate 34 side. The fraudulent jig can generate a magnetic field. For example, the payout ball detection sensor is generated by generating a magnetic field corresponding to the game ball staying in the payout ball detection sensor 258 from the fraudulent jig. If the game ball stays even though the game ball has passed through 258, the payout ball detection sensor 258 will erroneously detect it. Further, for example, by generating a magnetic field corresponding to the fact that the game ball does not pass through the payout ball detection sensor 258 from the fraudulent jig, the game ball does not pass even though the game ball has passed. The payout ball detection sensor 258 will erroneously detect.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, when the game ball is not paid out in the situation where the rotating body 256 is rotated by the number of steps corresponding to one game ball, the rotation speed of the rotating body 256 is rotated up to that point. It will be slower than the speed. As a result, even if a fraudulent act is performed in which a large number of game balls are paid out using a fraudulent jig, the number of game balls paid out per unit time can be reduced. As a result, when the above fraudulent activity is performed, damage to the game hall or the like in which the pachinko machine 10 is installed can be minimized.

In particular, in the case of a big hit, a large amount of game balls are paid out, so if the above fraudulent act is performed in the situation of a big hit, even if a large amount of game balls are paid out due to the fraudulent act, It becomes difficult to detect cheating. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, when the above fraudulent act is performed, the speed at which the game ball is paid out can be slowed down. As a result, when the above fraudulent act is performed, the game ball is paid out for an excessively longer time than usual after the jackpot is completed. Therefore, it is possible to discover that the above fraudulent act has been performed because the time for paying out the game ball is excessively long.

As described above, in the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent an act of illegally receiving the payout of the game ball. Further, in order to prevent the above fraudulent activity, it is not necessary to stop the rotation of the rotating body 256 each time the game ball is not paid out.

Further, when the rotating body 256 is rotated by the number of steps corresponding to one game ball and the game ball is not paid out, the rotation speed of the rotating body 256 is made slower than the previous rotation speed. .. As a result, it is possible to deal with the above-mentioned fraudulent activity before two game balls are paid out. As a result, the timing for responding to the above fraudulent activity can be accelerated.

Further, when the low-speed processing in the retry state is executed, the normal rotation of the rotating body 256 is continued. The retry state is set based on the fact that the game ball was not paid out when the rotating body 256 rotated 30 steps. Further, when the game ball is normally paid out, the game ball is paid out every time the rotating body 256 rotates 30 steps. Here, when the drive signal is output 30 times, such as when the rotating body 256 is slightly reversed due to vibration, it is assumed that a problem occurs in which the rotating body 256 is not in a state of being rotated by 30 steps. In this case, it is determined that the game ball has not been paid out even though the rotating body 256 has rotated 30 steps even though the rotating body 256 has not actually rotated 30 steps. In this regard, in the present embodiment, when the retry state is set, the low-speed processing is executed before the alternating operation processing, so that even if the above-mentioned problem occurs, the low-speed processing is being executed. It is conceivable that the game ball will be paid out. Therefore, it is possible to smoothly pay out the game balls even when the above-mentioned trouble occurs while obtaining the effect of executing the above-mentioned low-speed processing and reducing the number of game balls to be paid out per unit time.

Further, after the game ball is paid out, the number of steps (30 steps + 10 steps when the low-speed processing is executed) in which the rotating body 256 rotates before the processing for alternating operation in the retry state is started is set as the game ball. Was less than the number of steps for paying out two. As a result, even if the above fraudulent act is performed, the process for alternating operation in the retry state is started before two game balls are paid out. Further, when the alternating operation processing is executed, the rotating body 256 reverses at a low speed, so even if the game ball is paid out when the alternating operation processing is executed, the alternating operation processing Since the reverse state is set in, the number of game balls paid out per unit time can be reduced as compared with the case where low-speed processing is executed. As a result, when the above fraudulent act is performed, the effect of reducing the number of game balls paid out per unit time can be enhanced. Therefore, when the above fraudulent activity is performed, the damage that occurs in the game hall or the like where the pachinko machine 10 is installed can be further reduced.

The low-speed processing is executed before the alternating operation processing is executed. When the low-speed processing is executed, the rotating body 256 rotates at a low speed, so that the number of game balls paid out per unit time can be reduced when the above fraudulent act is performed. Further, after the low-speed processing is executed, the alternating processing is executed as described above. As a result, when the retry state is set, the number of game balls paid out per unit time can be reduced as compared with the normal state. Further, the number of steps in which the rotating body 256 rotates when the low-speed processing is executed is made smaller than the number of steps until one game ball is paid out. As a result, when the above fraudulent act is executed, it is possible to prevent a plurality of game balls from being paid out by the time the alternating operation process is started. From the above, it is possible to enhance the effect of reducing the above damage when the above fraudulent act is performed.

As described above, in the present embodiment, by setting the retry state, the above damage can be reduced when the above fraudulent acts continue to be performed. Here, it is assumed that the above-mentioned cheating is stopped before the retry state is set, and the above-mentioned cheating is performed again when the game ball is normally paid out. In this respect, in the present embodiment, only one game ball is paid out at the rotation amount of the rotating body 256 until the retry state is set. Therefore, even if the fraudster who intends to commit the fraudulent act interrupts the fraudulent act before the retry state is set, only one game ball is illegally paid out. Therefore, the effect of reducing the damage can be obtained regardless of the timing at which the cheating person commits the cheating.

When the game ball is paid out when the processing for alternating operation is executed, the retry state is canceled. For example, in a situation where ball clogging is occurring, it is expected that the ball clogging will be cleared by the processing for alternating operation. As a result, when the game ball is not paid out in a situation where no cheating is performed, it is possible to maintain the situation where the game ball is paid out without stopping the payout of the game ball. Therefore, the effect of ensuring the smooth payout of the game ball can be enhanced.

In addition, the amount of rotation of the rotating body 256 in each state when the reverse rotation state and the normal rotation state in the alternating operation processing is set is larger than the rotation amount corresponding to the payout of one game ball. As a result, it is expected that the game ball will be paid out when each state in the process for alternating operation is set. As a result, when the game ball is not paid out due to ball clogging or the like, it is easy to return to the situation where the game ball is paid out. Therefore, it is possible to enhance the effect of ensuring the smooth payout of the game ball while suppressing the above-mentioned fraudulent activity.

Conventionally, in the pachinko machine 10, the exciting voltage is set to 0V while the stepping motor 400 is stopped. However, there is a possibility that the stepping motor 400 may rotate erroneously due to an unexpected impact or the like in the hall, causing a problem that the game ball is paid out. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the exciting voltage whose power consumption is lower than the operating voltage is applied while the stepping motor 400 is stopped. This makes it possible to prevent the stepping motor 400 from erroneously rotating due to unexpected vibration or the like in the hall while suppressing an increase in power consumption.

Further, the same voltage is used for the operating voltage and the stopped voltage of the stepping motor 400, and the pulse voltage is used for the stopped voltage. Specifically, the + 12V constant voltage is used as the operating voltage, and the + 12V pulse voltage is used as the stopping voltage. Since the pulse voltage has a shorter period in which the voltage is ON than the constant voltage and the power consumption is low, it is possible to generate a + 12V pulse voltage with a power supply capacity of + 12V constant voltage. With this configuration, it is not necessary to provide the 5V generation circuit 413 with the power supply capacity required for applying the stopping voltage in the power supply device. In addition, the power capacity can be used for another purpose, and an increase in the power capacity can be suppressed.

By exciting one phase with the voltage for stopping during the stop, it is possible to reduce the power consumption as compared with the case of exciting to a plurality of phases. In addition, it is possible to ensure that the stopped power capacity does not exceed the operating power capacity.

By switching the exciting voltage from the operating voltage to the stopped voltage after the braking of the stepping motor 400 is completed, it is possible to achieve the excellent effect as described above while enabling braking in a stable state.

By setting the exciting phase during braking to one phase, it is possible to suppress turbulence due to a sudden decrease in rotation speed, and since power consumption is smaller than when exciting to multiple phases, it is possible to suppress an increase in power supply capacity. .. Further, by applying the stopping voltage to the same phase during stopping, the rotation stop position at the time of braking is maintained while maintaining the rotation stop position at the time of braking, as compared with the configuration in which the stopping voltage is applied to a phase different from that at the time of braking completion. It is possible to shift to the voltage application state during the stop.

By setting the initial excitation to two-phase excitation with + 12V constant voltage instead of + 12V pulse voltage, a larger rotational torque than one-phase excitation can be obtained, so the time from the acceleration state to the constant speed rotation state should be shortened. Is possible.

Since most of the times when the power is cut off, the pachinko machine 10 is less likely to be erroneously rotated due to vibration, so it is not necessary to apply an exciting voltage to the stepping motor 400 and the power is cut off. It is not necessary to newly provide a power supply capacity in the hour power supply unit 321c, and it is possible to suppress an increase in the power supply capacity.

<Second Embodiment>
In the present embodiment, the method of generating the pulse voltage is different from that of the first embodiment. The differences from the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 59. FIG. 59 is a block diagram showing a drive system of the stepping motor 400. In the following description, the description of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment will be basically omitted.

As shown in FIG. 59, a switch 415 is provided instead of the pulse generation IC 410 in the first embodiment. The exciting voltage applied to the exciting coils L20 to 23 is set by electrically switching the switch 415 off and on by the CPU 331.

The exciting voltage setting process according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, in step S3201, the CPU 331 determines whether or not the power is turned on to the pachinko machine 10.

If it is the timing when the power is turned on in step S3201, the process proceeds to step S3212 and the drive state flag is set to "0". After that, the switch 415 is turned off in step S3213, the output flag is set to "0" in the subsequent step S3214, and then the main excitation voltage setting process is terminated.

If it is not the timing when the power is turned on, in step S3202, it is determined whether or not the drive state flag is "1".

If the drive state flag is not "1" in step S3202, the process proceeds to step S3203 to determine whether or not it is time to switch to the drive state.

In step S3203, if it is the timing to switch to the drive state, the drive state flag is set to "1" in the subsequent step S3204. After that, in step S3205, the voltage applied to the exciting coils L20 to 23 is set to + 12V by turning on the switch 415, and then the main exciting voltage setting process is completed.

In step S3203, if it is not the timing to switch to the drive state, the process proceeds to step S3206 to determine whether or not the output flag is “0”.

If the output flag is "0", the switch 415 is turned on in the subsequent step S3207. After that, in step S3208, after setting the output flag to "1", the main exciting voltage setting process ends.

If the output flag is not "0", the switch 415 is turned off in the subsequent step S3209. Then, in step S3210, after setting the output flag to "0", the main exciting voltage setting process is terminated.

If the drive state flag is "1" in step S3202, it is determined in step S3211 whether or not it is the timing to switch to the stopped state.

In step S3211, if it is not the timing to switch to the stopped state, the main exciting voltage setting process is terminated as it is.

In step S3211, when it is the timing to switch to the stopped state, the process proceeds to step S3212, and the drive state flag is set to "0". After that, in step S3213, the voltage applied to the exciting coils L20 to 23 is set to 0V by turning off the switch 415. After that, the process proceeds to step S3214, the output flag provided in the RAM 333 is set to “0”, and then the main excitation voltage setting process is completed.

By the above processing, when the drive state flag is set to "0", the switch 415 is switched off and on every 2 msec based on the value of the output flag. This makes it possible to generate a + 12V pulse voltage that consumes less power than the + 12V constant voltage.

With the above configuration, it is not necessary to provide a dedicated IC for pulse generation, and the circuit can be simplified.

Further, in the present embodiment, the pulse period is 4 msec, but it may be set longer than 4 msec, and the period may be different depending on whether it is on or off.

<Third embodiment>
In the present embodiment, the excitation method at the time of braking is different from that of the first embodiment. The differences from the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 61 is an explanatory diagram showing a data table for a drive signal during braking. In the following description, the description of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment will be basically omitted.

As shown in the excitation orders 22 and 23 of FIG. 61, two-phase excitation is performed at + 12 V when the stepping motor 400 is braked, and the rotor 401 is stopped. After that, the stopped state can be stabilized by performing two-phase excitation with a + 12 V pulse voltage. When two-phase excitation is performed with a + 12V pulse voltage, the power supply capacity is smaller than when it is performed with a + 12V constant voltage. After that, while the rotor 401 is stopped, one-phase excitation is performed by a + 12 V pulse voltage.

By stopping the rotor 401 as described above, when braking is performed only by two-phase excitation, it is possible to suppress a sudden decrease in the rotation speed due to a strong braking force and a disorder in the rotation. Further, by performing the two-phase excitation immediately after braking with a + 12 V pulse voltage, it is possible to suppress an increase in the power supply capacity.

Even when the excitation during braking is not 2-phase excitation by + 12V constant voltage but 1-phase excitation, excitation by 2-phase excitation + 12V pulse voltage may be performed in order to stabilize the stopped state. Further, the excitation immediately after braking may be a 4-phase excitation instead of a 2-phase excitation by a + 12V pulse voltage to stabilize the stopped state. Further, the exciting voltage may be switched from the + 12V constant voltage to the + 12V pulse voltage during braking.

<Other embodiments>
It should be noted that the description is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, it may be changed as follows. Incidentally, the following configuration of another embodiment may be applied individually or in combination to the configuration of the above embodiment.

(1) In each of the above embodiments, + 12V is set as the operating voltage, but the voltage is not limited to + 12V and may be smaller than + 12V as long as the torque required to drive the stepping motor 400 can be obtained. , The voltage may be larger than + 12V. Further, although a + 12V pulse voltage equivalent to + 5V is set as a stop voltage, it is not limited to a voltage equivalent to + 5V, and a voltage smaller than + 5V can be obtained if the torque required to stop the stepping motor 400 is obtained. Well, the voltage may be larger than + 5V.

(2) In the first and second embodiments, the stepping motor 400 may use two-phase excitation instead of one-phase excitation during braking to obtain a larger torque. When braking is performed by two-phase excitation, the rotation of the stepping motor 400 may become unstable due to strong braking, but since the stepping motor 400 is excited by a + 12 V pulse voltage during stop, a suitable stop is possible.

(3) In each of the above embodiments, a constant + 12 V is used as the operating voltage, but as a pulse voltage set to a pulse width larger than the pulse width of the stopped voltage in order to reduce power consumption. May be good.

(4) In each of the above embodiments, the period of the + 12V pulse voltage, which is the voltage for stopping, is constant, but the period may not be constant as long as the torque required for stopping the stepping motor 400 is obtained.

(5) In each of the above embodiments, the pulse width of the + 12V pulse voltage, which is the stop voltage, is constant, but the pulse width may not be constant, such as a triangular wave.

(6) In each of the above embodiments, a stepping motor is used as the payout motor 257, but other motors may be used. For example, a configuration using a DC motor and a servomotor that detects the rotation position thereof and performs feedback control can be considered. In this case, instead of stopping by fixing the exciting phase, the stop state is maintained by detecting the rotation position of the rotor and performing feedback control so as to reach the target position. This makes it possible to detect and notify the erroneous rotation.

(7) In each of the above embodiments, the pachinko machine 10 has a configuration in which the pachinko machine 10 applies a stop voltage, which is the same voltage as the operation voltage, while the operating means that operates by applying a voltage is stopped. It may be applied to an operating means different from 257. For example, a configuration applicable to an electric accessory, a variable winning device, or the like can be considered. As a result, when the electric accessory and the variable winning device are in the closed state of blocking the entry of the game ball, it is possible to prevent the game ball from being accidentally opened due to the impact of the collision, and the closed state is maintained. It becomes possible. In addition, by making the stopped voltage the same as the operating voltage, it is possible to suppress the increase in power supply capacity, and by using the stopped voltage as the pulse voltage, the increase in standby power consumption in the closed state is suppressed. It becomes possible to do.

(8) Other types of pachinko machines different from the above embodiments, for example, pachinko machines in which the electric accessory opens a predetermined number of times when a game ball enters a specific area of the special device, or a game in a specific area of the special device. The present invention can also be applied to pachinko machines that generate a right when a ball enters and become a big hit, pachinko machines equipped with other accessories, arrange ball machines, and game machines such as sparrow balls.

(9) A non-ballistic game machine, for example, a plurality of reels with a plurality of types of symbols attached in the circumferential direction, the reels are started to rotate by inserting medals and operating the start lever, and the stop switch is operated. After the reel has stopped after a predetermined time has passed, if a specific symbol or a combination of specific symbols is established on the effective line that can be seen from the display window, the player is given a privilege such as paying out a medal. The present invention can also be applied to a configuration for controlling the rotation and stopping of reels of a slot machine.

In addition, the game machine body supported by the outer frame so as to be openable and closable is provided with a storage unit and a take-in device, and the start lever is operated after a predetermined number of game balls stored in the storage unit are taken in by the take-in device. The present invention can also be applied to a gaming machine in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine are fused, which starts the rotation of the reel.

<About the invention group extracted from the above-described embodiment>
Hereinafter, the characteristics of the invention group extracted from each of the above-described embodiments will be described while showing the effects and the like as necessary. In the following, for the sake of easy understanding, the corresponding configurations in each of the above embodiments are appropriately shown in parentheses or the like, but the present invention is not limited to the specific configurations shown in the parentheses or the like.

Features 1. An operating means (stepping motor 400 in the first to third embodiments) that operates by applying a voltage, and
A power supply means (power supply unit 321a at the time of power-on in the first to third embodiments) that applies a voltage to the operating means to operate the operating means.
In a game machine equipped with
The power supply means not only applies an operating voltage (+ 12V constant voltage in the first to third embodiments) to operate the operating means, but also applies the operating voltage while the operating means is stopped. The stop voltage (+ 12V pulse voltage in the first to third embodiments) is applied so that the power consumption is smaller than that of the case where the voltage is stopped.
A gaming machine characterized in that the operating voltage and the stopped voltage are the same voltage (+ 12V in the first to third embodiments).

According to the feature 1, by applying the stopping voltage while the operating means is stopped, it is possible to prevent the stepping motor from erroneously rotating due to an external impact during the stopping. In addition, by applying the stopping voltage so that the power consumption is smaller than the operating voltage and making the operating voltage and the stopping voltage the same, the power supply capacity for applying the operating voltage It is possible to apply a voltage for stopping. With the above configuration, it is not necessary to separately provide the power supply capacity required for the stopped voltage for the power supply means, and it is possible to suppress an increase in the power supply capacity.

Feature 2. The power supply means applies the stopped voltage as a pulse voltage (+ 12 V pulse voltage in the first to third embodiments) in which the period during which the voltage is ON is shorter than the operating voltage. The gaming machine according to feature 1, characterized in that it is present.

According to Feature 2, since the stopped voltage is a pulse voltage in which the period during which the voltage is ON is shorter than the operating voltage, it is possible to reduce the power consumption compared to applying the operating voltage. , It is possible to suppress an increase in power supply capacity.

Feature 3. When the operating voltage is applied, the power supply means keeps the voltage ON (applying a + 12V constant voltage in the first to third embodiments), while applying the stopped voltage. The gaming machine according to feature 1 or 2, wherein when applied, it is applied as a pulse voltage (+ 12V pulse voltage in the first to third embodiments).

According to Feature 3, since the stopped voltage is a pulse voltage in which the period during which the voltage is ON is shorter than the operating voltage, it is possible to reduce the power consumption compared to applying the operating voltage. , It is possible to suppress an increase in power supply capacity.

Feature 4. The power supply means
A first circuit (12V generation circuit 412 in the first to third embodiments) used to generate a voltage applied to the operating means, and
Used to generate a voltage for logic applied to the control means (CPU 331 in the first to third embodiments) for controlling the progress of the game, which is lower than the voltage generated in the first circuit. The second circuit (5V generation circuit 413 in the first to third embodiments) and
Is equipped with
The duty ratio (first to third) of the pulse voltage is such that the average value (the average value of the + 12V pulse voltage in the first to third embodiments) is the same as or substantially the same as the logic voltage. The gaming machine according to feature 2 or 3, wherein the ratio of the on-period to one cycle of the pulse voltage in the embodiment of 3) is set.

According to the feature 4, the voltage generated by the first circuit is the same as or substantially the same as the voltage generated by the second circuit in the average value of the pulse voltage, so that the power supply capacity of the second circuit is not increased. It is possible to obtain the same or substantially the same output as the second circuit. Further, it is not necessary to secure the power supply capacity of the second circuit for the stopping voltage of the operating means, and the power supply capacity corresponding to the power supply capacity can be effectively used for other purposes. For example, when the circuit scale of the CPU increases due to the addition of a complicated effect in the next model, it can be used as a power source for the increased logic.

Feature 5. The operating means is a stepping motor (stepping motor 400 in the first to third embodiments).
The power supply means applies the stopping voltage to one phase while the stepping motor is stopped (excitation orders 24, 30, 3 in FIG. 58 in the first and second embodiments). The gaming machine according to any one of features 1 to 4, characterized in that the excitation order is 24 to 26) in FIG. 61 in the embodiment of the above.

According to the feature 5, by setting the excitation of the stepping motor while it is stopped to one-phase excitation, it is possible to reduce the power consumption as compared with the case of performing multi-phase excitation.

Feature 6. The operating means is a stepping motor (stepping motor 400 in the first to third embodiments).
When braking the stepping motor from the operating state, the power supply means brakes by applying the operating voltage to a predetermined exciting coil (FIG. 58 in the first and second embodiments). Excitation order 23, excitation order 22 and 23 in FIG. 61 in the third embodiment), switching to a state in which the stop voltage is applied when the braking is completed (first and second embodiments). The gaming machine according to any one of features 1 to 5, characterized in that the excitation order 24 of FIG. 58 in the embodiment and the excitation order 24) of FIG. 61 in the third embodiment.

According to the feature 6, by switching the exciting voltage from the operating voltage to the stopped voltage after the braking of the stepping motor is completed, it is possible to reduce the power consumption while enabling braking in a stable state.

Feature 7. When braking the stepping motor from the operating state, the power supply means applies the operating voltage to one phase (excitation order 23 in FIG. 58 in the first and second embodiments). At the same time, while the stepping motor is stopped, the stopping voltage is applied to the one phase (excitation order 24, 30 in FIG. 58 in the first and second embodiments). The gaming machine according to the feature 6.

According to Feature 7, by setting the exciting phase during braking to one phase, it is possible to suppress turbulence due to a sudden decrease in rotation speed, and since power consumption is smaller than when exciting to multiple phases, an increase in power supply capacity is suppressed. It becomes possible to do. Further, by applying the stopping voltage to the same phase during stopping, the rotation stop position at the time of braking is maintained while maintaining the rotation stop position at the time of braking, as compared with the configuration in which the stopping voltage is applied to a phase different from that at the time of braking completion. It is possible to shift to the voltage application state during the stop.

Features 8. The operating means is a stepping motor.
As the exciting state of the stepping motor to the exciting coil, the first exciting state (one-phase excitation in the first to third embodiments) and the second exciting state (the second exciting state) in which the rotational torque is larger than the first exciting state. It has two-phase excitation) in the first to third embodiments).
When the operation is started from the state in which the stepping motor is stopped, the power supply means switches from the first excitation state by applying the stopping voltage to the second excitation state by applying the operating voltage. The gaming machine according to any one of features 1 to 7, characterized in that (excitation order 30 and 31 in FIG. 58 in the first and second embodiments).

According to the feature 8, it is possible to suppress an increase in power consumption by setting the first excitation state by the stop voltage during the stop. Further, by setting the start of operation to the second excitation state by the operation voltage having a large rotation torque, it is possible to shorten the time from the acceleration state to the constant speed rotation state.

Features 9. When the power supply to the power supply means is cut off (during a power failure, when the store is closed, etc.), power is not supplied to the operating means during power failure (for power failure in the first to third embodiments). The gaming machine according to any one of features 1 to 8, wherein the power supply unit 321c does not supply electric power to the stepping motor 400 during power failure.

According to the feature 9, since the store is closed in most cases when the power is cut off, malfunction of the operating means due to vibration or the like being applied to the game machine is unlikely to occur. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a power supply capacity for applying the stop voltage to the power supply unit at the time of power failure, and it is possible to suppress an increase in the power supply capacity.

The basic configurations of various gaming machines to which the above features can be applied are shown below.

Pachinko game machine: An operating means operated by a player, a game ball launching means for launching a game ball based on the operation of the operating means, a ball passage for guiding the launched game ball to a predetermined game area, and a game. A gaming machine that includes each gaming component arranged in an area and gives a privilege to a player when a gaming ball passes through a predetermined passing portion of each gaming component.

Rotating game machines such as slot machines: Equipped with a picture display device that variably displays a plurality of pictures, the variable display of the plurality of pictures is started due to the operation of the start operation means, and is caused by the operation of the stop operation means. A gaming machine in which the variable display of the plurality of symbols is stopped after a lapse of a predetermined time, and a privilege is given to the player according to the symbols after the stop.

Belt-type game machine using a ball: Equipped with a variable display means for displaying the symbol sequence consisting of a plurality of symbols in a variable manner and then displaying the symbol sequence in the final stop, the symbol variation is started and stopped due to the operation of the starting operation means. A special gaming state (bonus) that is advantageous to the player on the condition that the fluctuation of the symbol is stopped due to the operation of the operation means or the predetermined time elapses, and the final stop symbol at the time of the stop is a specific symbol. (Game, etc.) is generated, and further, a throwing device provided with a ball saucer and a throwing device for taking in a game ball from the ball saucer and a payout device for paying out the game ball to the ball saucer is provided. A game machine configured so that the operation of the starting operation means becomes effective when the game ball is thrown in.

10 ... Pachinko machine as a game machine, 13 ... Main body frame constituting the game machine main body, 400 ... Stepping motor, 224 ... Payout device, 257 ... Payout motor, 313 ... Main side RAM, 321a ... Power supply unit for power supply, 321c ... Power supply unit for power failure, 331 ... Payout side CPU, 334 ... Motor driver, 410 ... Pulse generation IC, 411 ... Voltage conversion circuit, 412 ... 12V generation circuit, 413 ... 5V generation circuit, 415 ... Switch, L20 ~ L23 ... Exciting coil.

Claims (1)

An operating means that operates by applying a voltage,
A power supply means that applies a voltage to the operating means to operate the operating means, and
In a game machine equipped with
The power supply means not only applies an operating voltage to operate the operating means, but also consumes less power than when the operating voltage is applied while the operating means is stopped. The stop voltage is applied as a pulse voltage that makes the period during which the voltage is ON shorter than the voltage.
The operating voltage and the stopped voltage are the same voltage.
The power supply means
A first circuit used to generate a voltage applied to the operating means,
A second circuit, which is a logic voltage applied to the control means and is used to generate a voltage lower than the voltage generated by the first circuit.
Is equipped with
The duty ratio of the pulse voltage is set so that the average value thereof is the same as or substantially the same as the logic voltage.
The operating means is a stepping motor.
When braking the stepping motor from the operating state, the power supply means brakes by applying the operating voltage to a predetermined exciting phase, and when the braking is completed, the stopped voltage. Equipped with a specific means to switch to the state of applying
The stepping motor is a two-phase stepping motor using a 1-2 phase excitation method.
A drive control means for controlling the operation of the stepping motor by controlling which exciting phase of the stepping motor the operating voltage and the stopped voltage from the power supply means are applied is provided.
The drive control means
When braking the stepping motor from the operating state, the first means for controlling the operating voltage to be applied to the two-phase exciting phase, and
After the control by the first means, the pulse voltage as the stop voltage switched by the specific means is controlled to be applied to the two-phase excitation phase to which the operation voltage is applied. Second means to do
After the control by the second means, the third means for controlling so that the pulse voltage as the stopping voltage is applied to the one-phase exciting phase while the stepping motor is stopped.
A game machine characterized by being equipped with.

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