JP7212369B2 - game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a pachinko game machine and a slot machine, which are types of game machines, game media are paid out when a predetermined payout condition is met. For example, in a pachinko game machine, game balls are paid out when a game ball enters a specific ball entrance. In the conventional game machine, game balls can be paid out by operating an operation part of a predetermined payout mechanism. For example, in the pachinko game machine described in Patent Document 1, game balls can be paid out by operating the ball feeding sprocket of the payout unit.

JP 2013-172849 A

In a gaming machine capable of paying out such game media, it is desired to control the payout of game media more appropriately by devising the control of the payout.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a game machine capable of appropriately controlling the payout of game media.

A gaming machine for solving the above-described problems includes a payout mechanism for paying out game media, payout detection means for detecting the game media paid out by the payout mechanism, and payout control means for controlling the payout mechanism, wherein the payout The mechanism is provided with an action section that operates when a game medium is paid out, and is adapted to pay out the game medium by operating the action section to a payout position, and the payout control means controls the action section as a source. Original position return control for returning to a position can be executed, and the original position return control includes a first process of paying out one game medium, and a game medium paid out in the first process is detected by the payout detection means. A second process of specifying the original position based on the detected timing, and a third process of operating the operation unit of the dispensing mechanism to the original position specified in the second process, The original position return control is a control accompanied by a game medium payout, and the control changes the operation of the operation unit according to the timing at which the game medium is detected by the payout detection means during the original position return control. When the game medium is not detected in the first process, the return-to-origin control ends when the action unit repeats a predetermined unit action amount for a specific number of times. , the specific number of times is the number of times the operating portion moves to the same position as the position at the start of the home position return control, and the number of times the operating portion rotates twice . do.

According to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately control the payout of game media.

The front perspective view which shows a pachinko game machine typically. The front view which shows a game board typically. The rear perspective view which shows a middle frame typically. (a) to (d) are explanatory diagrams schematically showing the internal structure of the dispensing unit. (a) is an explanatory view showing the relationship between the excitation state of the payout motor and the payout action section, and (b) is an explanatory view showing the position of the payout action section. A block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the pachinko game machine. Explanatory drawing which shows the flow of control regarding payout. Explanatory drawing which shows the starting conditions of a payment|payout confirmation process. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing conditions for starting an original position return process; Explanatory drawing which shows the completion|finish condition of a payment|payout confirmation process. Explanatory drawing which shows the progress conditions and end conditions in each control level of a payment|payout confirmation process. A flowchart showing a payout process. 4 is a flowchart showing payout confirmation processing. 4 is a flowchart showing original position return processing. (a) And (b) is explanatory drawing which shows the operation|movement aspect of the payment|withdrawal operation|movement part in original position return processing. Explanatory drawing which shows the operation|movement aspect of the payment|withdrawal operation|movement part in original position return processing. Explanatory drawing which shows the operation|movement aspect of the payment|withdrawal operation|movement part in original position return processing.

An embodiment embodied in a pachinko game machine will be described below. In the following explanation, the directions of up, down, left, right, front (front), and rear (back) refer to the respective directions when viewed from Shin-Kiyosu Station of the player playing the pachinko machine. .

As shown in FIG. 1, a pachinko gaming machine 10 as a gaming machine has an outer frame 11 that forms the outer shell of the pachinko gaming machine 10 . The pachinko game machine 10 is installed in a game machine installation facility (so-called island facility) such as a game arcade through an outer frame 11 . The pachinko game machine 10 has an inner frame 12 on the front side of the opening of the outer frame 11.例文帳に追加The middle frame 12 is attached to the outer frame 11 so as to be openable and closable. The pachinko game machine 10 has a front frame 13 on the front side of the middle frame 12.例文帳に追加The front frame 13 is attached to the middle frame 12 so as to be freely opened and closed.

The pachinko game machine 10 has a game board YB. The game board YB is attached to the middle frame 12. - 特許庁The game board YB has, on its front side, a game area YBa in which game balls as game media flow down. The pachinko game machine 10 has a shooting handle HD. The shooting handle HD is operated when shooting a game ball into the game area YBa.

A pachinko game machine 10 is provided with a decorative lamp LA. The decorative lamp LA can execute various notifications and various effects by light emission of the luminous body. In the following description, the effect by light emission of the light emitter is referred to as "luminous effect". It should be noted that "luminescence" in this specification includes lighting, blinking, and extinguishing. Further, in the following description, the fact that the light-emitting body of the decorative lamp LA emits light may be simply referred to as "the decorative lamp LA emits light". The decoration lamp LA is provided, for example, on the outer frame 11 or the game board YB. The pachinko game machine 10 has a speaker SP. The speaker SP can execute various notifications and various effects by outputting sounds. In the following description, the effect by outputting sound is referred to as "audio effect". In this specification, "sound" includes human and animal voices, sound effects, music, and the like. The speaker SP is provided on the outer frame 11, for example.

The pachinko game machine 10 has an upper tray 14 for storing game balls as game media on the front side of a front frame 13.例文帳に追加The pachinko game machine 10 has a lower tray 15 for storing game balls overflowing from the upper tray 14.例文帳に追加

As shown in FIG. 2, the pachinko gaming machine 10 has an information display device 16 capable of displaying predetermined information. The information display device 16 is provided at a position visible to the player on the game board YB.

The information display device 16 has a special symbol display section 16a. The special symbol display section 16a displays a special symbol variation game in which a predetermined symbol is variably displayed and the special symbol is finally fixed and stopped. In the following description, the special symbol variation game is abbreviated as "special game". The special symbol is a symbol for notifying the result of a big hit lottery, which will be described later. Special symbols that can be derived from the special symbol display section 16a include at least a big hit symbol as a big hit display result and a losing symbol as a losing display result. When a big win pattern is derived in the special game, the player can recognize the big win. When a winning symbol is derived in the special game, the player can recognize the winning. In the pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, when a big win lottery is won, a big win game is provided after a big win pattern is derived in a special game and after the special game of the big win ends. Although the details will be described later, the jackpot game is extremely advantageous to the player because a predetermined winning hole is opened and the player can win a large number of prize balls and other benefits.

The information display device 16 has a special hold display section 16b. The special pending display unit 16b recognizably displays the number of special games whose execution is suspended because the start condition is met but the execution condition is not yet met. In the following description, the number of pending special games is referred to as "special pending number". For example, the maximum number of special reservations is "4".

The information display device 16 includes a normal symbol display portion 16c. The normal symbol display unit 16c variably displays a predetermined symbol, and displays a normal symbol variation game in which a normal symbol is finally derived. The normal design is a design for notifying the result of a normal winning lottery, which will be described later. In the following description, the normal symbol variation game is abbreviated as "normal game". The normal symbols that can be derived from the normal symbol display portion 16c include at least normal winning symbols and normal losing symbols. When normal winning symbols are derived in the normal game, the player can recognize the normal winning. When a normal losing symbol is derived in a normal game, the player can recognize the normal losing. In the present embodiment, when a normal winning lottery is won, a normal winning game is given after a normal winning pattern is derived in a normal game and after the normal winning normal game ends. Although the details will be described later, the normal winning game is an advantageous state for the player because it becomes easier for the player to establish the condition for starting the special game.

The information display device 16 has a normal hold display section 16d. The normal suspension display portion 16d recognizably displays the number of normal games whose execution is suspended because the start condition is satisfied but the execution condition is not yet satisfied. In the following description, the number of normal games being held will be referred to as "normal pending number". For example, the maximum number of normal reservations is "4".

The pachinko game machine 10 has an effect display device EH. The effect display device EH has an image display section as a display area capable of displaying an image, and can execute various notifications and various effects by displaying an image on the image display section. In the following description, an effect by displaying an image is referred to as a "display effect". The image display unit may be, for example, a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel.

As one of the display effects, the effect display device EH can execute an effect symbol variation game in which the effect symbols are variably displayed in a plurality of rows and finally a combination of the effect symbols is derived. In the effect pattern variation game, display effects such as ready-to-win effects and advance notice effects may be performed. In the following description, the effect symbol variation game is abbreviated as "effect game".

The pachinko game machine 10 is provided with a first start prize winning port 21 opening in the game area YBa. The first start winning opening 21 is always open so that a game ball can be entered. In addition, in the following description, entering a game ball into a winning hole may be referred to as "winning". The pachinko game machine 10 includes a first starting sensor SE1 that detects a game ball entering the first starting winning hole 21 (shown in FIG. 6). In the present embodiment, when game balls are detected by the first start sensor SE1, the condition for holding the special game can be established, and the condition for paying out a predetermined number of game balls as prize balls is established.

The pachinko game machine 10 is provided with a second start prize winning port 22 that opens in the game area YBa. The pachinko game machine 10 is provided with a second starting sensor SE2 that detects a game ball that has entered the second starting winning hole 22 (shown in FIG. 6). In this embodiment, when game balls are detected by the second start sensor SE2, the condition for holding the special game can be established, and the condition for paying out a predetermined number of game balls as prize balls is established.

The pachinko game machine 10 is provided with a normal variable member 23 which can take a closed state in which a game ball cannot enter the second starting prize winning port 22 and an open state in which a game ball can enter the second starting prize winning port 22.例文帳に追加there is In the closed state, the game ball can enter the second starting winning hole 22, but it may be a state in which it is more difficult to enter than in the open state. The pachinko game machine 10 is provided with a first actuator A1 that normally operates the variable member 23 (shown in FIG. 6). Ordinary variable member 23 is operated in an open state in an ordinary winning game. Therefore, in the normal winning game, it becomes easier to establish the reservation condition of the special game.

The pachinko game machine 10 is provided with a big winning opening 24 that opens in the game area YBa. The pachinko game machine 10 is equipped with a count sensor SE3 for detecting a game ball that has entered the big winning hole 24. - 特許庁In the present embodiment, when game balls are detected by the count sensor SE3, a condition for paying out a predetermined number of game balls as prize balls is established.

The pachinko game machine 10 has a special variable member 25 that can take a closed state in which a game ball cannot enter the big prize winning opening 24 and an open state in which a game ball can enter the big winning prize opening 24.例文帳に追加In the closed state, a game ball can enter the big winning hole 24, but it may be a state in which it is more difficult to enter than in the open state. The pachinko game machine 10 has a second actuator A2 for operating the special variable member 25 (shown in FIG. 6). The special variable member 25 is operated in an open state in a predetermined winning game (big winning game in this embodiment).

The pachinko game machine 10 is provided with a gate 26 through which a game ball can pass (enter) in the game area YBa. The gate 26 is provided with a gate sensor SE4 for detecting game balls passing through the gate 26. - 特許庁In this embodiment, when the game ball is detected by the gate sensor SE4, the normal game suspension condition can be established.

Next, the configuration of the back side of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 3, for convenience of explanation, some game components such as the game board YB and the effect display device EH are omitted.

As shown in FIG. 3, the pachinko gaming machine 10 has a storage section 30 for storing game balls on the upper back side of the middle frame 12 . The pachinko game machine 10 has an alignment section 31 for aligning the game balls stored in the storage section 30 in a row on the upper back side of the middle frame 12 . The pachinko game machine 10 has a guide part 32 for guiding downward the game balls aligned by the alignment part 31 on the back side of the middle frame 12.例文帳に追加The pachinko game machine 10 has a payout unit 40 that pays out game balls guided by the guide part 32 to the upper tray 14 or the lower tray 15 .

As shown in FIG. 4, the payout unit 40 has a payout action section 41 capable of performing a predetermined action. The payout unit 40 can perform a payout operation of putting out game balls by operating the payout operation unit 41 . In this embodiment, the payout unit 40 corresponds to a payout mechanism that pays out game media, and the payout operation unit 41 corresponds to an operation unit that operates when paying out game media.

The payout unit 40 has a ball passage 40a as a specific passage through which game balls can pass. The ball passage 40a is a passage that extends in the vertical direction as a whole, and is formed in such a width that two or more game balls are not arranged side by side in the left-right direction and the front-rear direction. Therefore, the game balls are aligned in one line in the ball passage 40a. In this embodiment, the advancing direction D1 of the game ball in the ball passage 40a is the vertical direction.

The pay-out operation part 41 has a cylindrical shaft part 42 extending along the ball passage 40a and a projecting part 43 projecting from the shaft part 42 into the ball passage 40a. Therefore, the game ball may be held in contact with the projecting portion 43 in the ball passage 40a. In addition, as described above, since the game balls are aligned in one row in the ball passage 40a, the leading game ball among the aligned game balls is held in contact with the projecting portion 43, and the following game ball is held. The ball is held in contact with the leading game ball. The projecting portion 43 of the present embodiment is a spiral portion that extends downward in the vertical direction so as to draw a right-handed (clockwise) spiral when the pachinko gaming machine 10 is viewed from above. In the following description, the end portion of the protruding portion 43 on the side opposite to the game ball traveling direction D1 (upper side of the pachinko game machine 10) is indicated as the upper end portion 43a, and the game ball traveling direction D1 side (pachinko The bottom end of the game machine 10 is shown as a bottom end 43b. The protruding portion 43 is a spiral having a length that makes one turn around the shaft portion 42, and the length in the vertical direction (pitch of the spiral) is the same or substantially the same as the diameter of one game ball.

The payout operation part 41 rotates in a predetermined rotation direction R1 around a rotation axis extending along the advancing direction D1 of the game ball, thereby causing the position of the protrusion part 43 (hereinafter referred to as the protrusion position P1) that protrudes into the ball passage 40a. ) is configured to be displaced in the traveling direction D1 side of the game ball. In this embodiment, the rotation direction R1 is a direction that rotates counterclockwise (counterclockwise) when the pachinko gaming machine 10 is viewed from above. Specifically, the payout operation part 41 contacts the leading game ball in the ball passage 40a in a state in which the upper end 43a of the projecting part 43 projects into the ball passage 40a (FIG. 4(a)). In addition, the payout operation part 41 is configured such that the projecting position P1 of the projecting part 43 is displaced in the traveling direction D1 as it rotates in the rotational direction R1 (FIGS. 4B and 4C). ). Therefore, in the payout unit 40, the game ball in contact with the projecting portion 43 of the payout operation portion 41 also moves in the advancing direction D1. When the lower end portion 43b of the protruding portion 43 protrudes into the ball passage 40a, the dispensing operation portion 41 further rotates in the rotation direction R1 so that the lower end portion 43b does not protrude into the ball passage 40a. 43a is configured to protrude into the ball passage 40a (FIG. 4(d)). Therefore, in the payout unit 40, when the lower end portion 43b of the projecting portion 43 of the payout operation portion 41 is in contact with the game ball, when the payout operation portion 41 is further rotated in the rotation direction R1, the lower end portion 43b is contacted. While the game ball that was being played is paid out, the next game ball is held in contact with the upper end portion 43a.

The payout operation unit 41 of the present embodiment rotates once in the rotation direction R1 from the state in which the upper end 43a of the projecting portion 43 is in contact with the game ball, so as to pay out the game ball that is in contact with the upper end 43a. It is configured. That is, the payout unit 40 of the present embodiment pays out the leading game ball among the game balls aligned in one row in the ball passage 40a by rotating the payout operation part 41 once in the rotation direction R1. , is configured to hold the game ball next to the leading game ball. In other words, in the present embodiment, the payout unit 40 pays out one game ball when the payout operation unit 41 rotates once in the rotation direction R1, but does not pay out two or more game balls. is configured to

In addition, the payout unit 40 has a payout motor 44 that operates the payout operation section 41 (shown in FIG. 6). In this embodiment, the payout motor 44 corresponds to driving means for operating the operating section.

Here, the relationship between the operation of the payout operation unit 41 and the payout motor 44 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5( a ), the dispensing motor 44 includes a plurality of windings (coils), and a stepping motor configured to generate magnetic force by switching windings to be energized (flowing current). is the motor. In the following description, the state in which magnetic force is generated by energizing the windings is referred to as an "excited state." The payout motor 44 of the present embodiment has a total of four phase windings of first to fourth windings. In the following description, the state in which the first winding and the second winding among the plurality of windings are energized will be referred to as the "first second excitation state". Similarly, the state in which the second and third windings among the plurality of windings are energized is referred to as a "second and third excitation state", and the third and fourth windings are energized. The state is indicated as "third and fourth excitation state", and the state in which the first and fourth windings are energized is indicated as "fourth and first excitation state". In the drawing, "ON" indicates a state in which the winding is energized, and "OFF" indicates a state in which the winding is not energized. That is, the state in which the first winding and the second winding are "ON" corresponds to the first and second excitation states. Similarly, the state in which the second winding and the third winding are "ON" corresponds to the second and third excitation state, and the third winding and the fourth winding are in the "ON" state. The state in which it is on corresponds to the third and fourth excitation state, and the state in which the first winding and the fourth winding are "ON" corresponds to the fourth and first excitation state.

The payout operation part 41 is always located at a predetermined original position. The excitation state of the payout motor 44 when the payout operation unit 41 is located at the original position is the first and second excitation state. The payout operation unit 41 changes the excitation state of the payout motor 44 from the first and second excitation states to the second and third excitation states to the third and fourth excitation states to the fourth and first excitation states to the first and second excitation states. . . , each time it is switched in the order of . At this time, the amount of operation of the payout operation unit 41 is changed from the first second excitation state to the second and third excitation states, and from the second and third excitation states to the third and fourth excitation states. It is the same when switching from the third and fourth excitation states to the fourth and first excitation states and when switching from the fourth and first excitation states to the first and second excitation states. In this embodiment, the dispensing motor 44 is always in the following order: 1st 2nd excited state→2nd 3rd excited state→3rd 4th excited state→4th 1st excited state→1st 2nd excited state→.・The excitation state can be switched in the following order. That is, in the present embodiment, the payout operation part 41 is configured so as not to rotate in the direction opposite to the rotation direction R1.

In the following description, the predetermined amount of movement of the payout operation unit 41 when the excitation state of the payout motor 44 is switched only once is indicated as "1 step", and the payout operation unit 41 is operated in N steps (N is The operation in the rotational direction R1 by a positive integer) is indicated as "operating in N steps". Further, in the following description, the original position of the payout operation unit 41 is indicated as "0 step position". Furthermore, in the following description, the position when the payout operation part 41 is rotated from the original position by N steps in the rotation direction R1 is indicated as "N step position". For example, the position when the payout operation part 41 is moved four steps from the original position is the "four step position". In this embodiment, the payout operation part 41 is configured to rotate once and return to the original position when performing 20 steps from the original position. That is, in this embodiment, the 20th step position is the original position (0th step position).

With the configuration as described above, in the present embodiment, the positions of the payout operation unit 41 in the first and second excitation states are the 0 step position, the 4 step position, the 8 step position, the 12 step position, and the 16 step position. be any of Similarly, the position of the payout action portion 41 in the second and third excitation states is any of the 1st, 5th, 9th, 13th and 17th step positions, and the payout action portion in the third and fourth excitation state. The position of 41 is one of the 2nd, 6th, 10th, 14th and 18th step positions, and the position of the payout operation part 41 in the fourth and first excitation state is the 3rd, 7th, 11th, 15th and 19th step positions. be any of

Then, as shown in FIG. 5(b), when the payout operation unit 41 of the present embodiment rotates once in the rotation direction R1 from the original position (0 step position), any one of the 3 to 6 step positions Since the lower end 43b does not protrude into the ball passage 40a when it reaches the position, the top game ball is put out, and then it returns to the original position. That is, the payout position for paying out the game ball is any one of the 3rd to 6th step positions. In this embodiment, the payout unit 40 is configured to pay out one game ball by moving the payout operation section 41 to the 3rd to 6th step positions. It should be noted that which of the 3rd to 6th step positions is the payout position may differ depending on the individual difference of the payout operation unit 41 or the like. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, when the payout operation unit 41 is at the 0-2 step position and when it is at the 7-19 step position, the projecting portion 43 comes into contact with the leading game ball so that the leading game ball It is configured so as not to pay out the ball. That is, in the present embodiment, the 0-2 step positions and the 7-19 step positions correspond to non-payout positions where game balls are not paid out. In this embodiment, the state of the payout operation part 41 when positioned at the payout position corresponds to the first state in which the game ball can pass through the ball passage 40a, and the payout when positioned at the non-payout position. The state of the operating portion 41 corresponds to a second state in which the game ball cannot pass through the ball passage 40a. That is, in the present embodiment, the payout operation unit 41 corresponds to operation means capable of taking a first state in which the game ball can pass through the ball passage 40a and a second state in which the game ball cannot pass through the ball passage 40a.

As described above, when the payout operation unit 41 rotates from the original position (0 step position) in the rotation direction R1, the payout operation unit 41 changes from the original position to the non-payout position different from the original position to the payout position to the original position. It is configured to operate in the order of a non-dispensing position different from the position→the original position. Further, in the present embodiment, when the payout operation unit 41 rotates in the rotation direction R1, the amount of movement from the original position to the payout position is Less than the amount of movement when rotating from the position to the original position.

The pachinko game machine 10 includes a payout sensor SE5 as payout detection means for detecting game balls put out by the payout unit 40 (shown in FIG. 6). In other words, in the present embodiment, the payout sensor SE5 corresponds to detection means for detecting a game ball that has passed through the ball passage 40a. The payout sensor SE5 is provided in a passage (not shown) that guides the game balls paid out from the payout unit 40 to the upper tray 14 or the lower tray 15 .

Next, the jackpot in the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described.
The pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment has a plurality of types of jackpot symbols as special jackpot symbols. The types of jackpot games are determined for each of the plurality of types of jackpot symbols.

In the big win game, after an opening effect for informing the start of the big win game is performed, a round game for opening the big winning opening 24 is performed. A round game is performed with a predetermined upper limit number of times as the upper limit. In one round game, the big winning opening 24 is opened until either the first condition that a predetermined upper limit number of game balls wins or the second condition that a predetermined upper limit time elapses is satisfied. open for a period of A predetermined effect is performed in the round game. Then, in the big win game, when the final round game ends, an ending effect for notifying the end of the big win game is performed. The jackpot game ends when the ending effect ends.

Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 6, the pachinko gaming machine 10 has a main control board 100 behind the game board YB. The main control board 100 performs predetermined processing and outputs information (control command) according to the result of the processing. The pachinko game machine 10 has a sub-control board 200 on the back side (rear) of the game board YB. The sub control board 200 and the main control board 100 are connected so that control commands can be output in one direction from the main control board 100 to the sub control board 200 . The sub control board 200 executes predetermined processing based on control commands input from the main control board 100 . The pachinko game machine 10 has a payout control board 300 on the back side (rear) of the game board YB. The payout control board 300 and the main control board 100 are connected so as to be able to output control commands in both directions. The payout control board 300 controls the payout unit 40 based on a control command input from the main control board 100 to instruct the payout of game balls (hereinafter referred to as a payout designation command), and pays out game balls.

First, the main control board 100 will be described in detail.
The main control board 100 includes a main control CPU 100a, a main control ROM 100b, and a main control RAM 100c. The main control CPU 100a performs predetermined processing by executing the main control program. The main control ROM 100b stores a main control program, a judgment value used for a predetermined lottery, and the like. The main control RAM 100c stores various information that is rewritten while the pachinko gaming machine 10 is in operation. For example, information stored in the main control RAM 100c includes flags, counters, and timers. The main control board 100 also includes a random number generation circuit (not shown) and is configured to generate hardware random numbers. The main control board 100 may be capable of generating software random numbers through random number generation processing by the main control CPU 100a.

The main control CPU 100a, the first start sensor SE1, the second start sensor SE2, the count sensor SE3, and the gate sensor SE4 are connected. The main control CPU 100a is configured to be able to input a detection signal output when each sensor detects a game ball. The main control CPU 100a and the information display device 16 are connected. The main control CPU 100 a is configured to be able to control the display contents of the information display device 16 . The main control CPU 100a and the first actuator A1 are connected. The main control CPU 100a can control the operation of the normal variable member 23 by controlling the operation of the first actuator A1. The main control CPU 100a and the second actuator A2 are connected. The main control CPU 100a can control the operation of the special variable member 25 by controlling the operation of the second actuator A2.

Next, the sub-control board 200 will be described in detail.
The sub-control board 200 includes a sub-control CPU 200a, a sub-control ROM 200b, and a sub-control RAM 200c. By executing the sub-control program, the sub-control CPU 200a performs processing related to effects as predetermined processing. The sub-control ROM 200b stores a sub-control program, a judgment value used for a predetermined lottery, and the like. The sub-control ROM 200b stores display effect data used for display effect, light emission effect data used for light emission effect, sound effect data used for sound effect, and movable body effect data used for movable body effect. The sub-control RAM 200c stores various information that is rewritten while the pachinko gaming machine 10 is in operation. For example, information stored in the sub-control RAM 200c includes flags, counters, and timers. In addition, the sub control board 200 is configured to be able to generate software random numbers through random number generation processing by the sub control CPU 200a. The sub control board 200 may include a random number generation circuit and be capable of generating hardware random numbers.

The sub-control CPU 200a and the effect display device EH are connected. The sub-control CPU 200a is configured to be able to control the display contents of the effect display device EH. The sub-control CPU 200a and the decoration lamp LA are connected. The sub-control CPU 200a is configured to be able to control the lighting mode of the decoration lamp LA. The sub-control CPU 200a and the speaker SP are connected. The sub-control CPU 200a is configured to be able to control the output mode of the sound from the speaker SP.

Next, the payout control board 300 will be described in detail.
The payout control board 300 includes a payout control CPU 300a, a payout control ROM 300b, and a payout control RAM 300c. The payout control CPU 300a executes a payout control program to perform processing such as paying out game balls. The payout control ROM 300b stores a payout control program and the like. The payout control RAM 300c stores various information rewritten during operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10. - 特許庁For example, the information stored in the payout control RAM 300c includes flags, counters, and timers.

The payout control CPU 300a and the payout unit 40 are connected. The payout control CPU 300 a is configured to be able to control the operation of the payout operation section 41 by driving the payout motor 44 of the payout unit 40 . The payout control CPU 300a and the payout sensor SE5 are connected. The payout control CPU 300a is configured to be able to input a detection signal output when the payout sensor SE5 detects a game ball. That is, in this embodiment, the payout control CPU 300a corresponds to control means for controlling the payout of game balls and payout control means for controlling the payout unit 40. FIG.

The payout control board 300 also has an error release switch SW as an operable operation means. The error release switch SW is an operation means operated when ending the notification of a payout error, which will be described later. The error cancellation switch SW is, for example, a push-type operating means. The payout control CPU 300a is configured to be able to input an operation signal output when the error release switch SW is operated.

Next, processing performed by the main control CPU 100a will be described.
The main control CPU 100a acquires a random number triggered by the detection of the game ball that has entered the first start winning hole 21 by the first start sensor SE1, and uses the random number to perform a jackpot lottery. In addition, the main control CPU 100a similarly conducts a jackpot lottery when the game ball that has won the second start prize opening 22 is detected by the second start sensor SE2. The main control CPU 100a controls the special symbol display section 16a based on the result of the jackpot lottery to execute the special game. The main control CPU 100a derives a big winning symbol in the special game when the big winning lottery is won, and derives a losing symbol in the special game when the big winning lottery is not won. It should be noted that, when the main control CPU 100a wins the jackpot lottery, the main control CPU 100a determines the jackpot symbols to be derived in the special game by lottery using random numbers. In addition, the main control CPU 100a generates a control command that can specify the special symbols to be derived in the special game and a control command that can specify the variation time of the special game, and outputs them to the sub control board 200.

When winning the jackpot lottery, the main control CPU 100a derives jackpot symbols in a special game, and then performs control to award a jackpot game. Specifically, the main control CPU 100a controls the second actuator A2 so that the big winning opening 24 is opened with a predetermined time as the upper limit time in the round game. Then, the main control CPU 100a terminates the jackpot game when a predetermined number of round games are completed. The main control CPU 100 a also generates a control command for instructing execution of the opening effect and a control command for instructing execution of the ending effect, and outputs them to the sub control board 200 .

Further, when the game ball payout condition is established, the main control CPU 100 a generates a payout designation command instructing to pay out a predetermined number of game balls, and outputs it to the payout control board 300 . In the present embodiment, the main control CPU 100a instructs to pay out the number of game balls corresponding to the winning opening when the game ball enters the winning opening to which the winning ball is to be paid out. A designated command is generated and output to the payout control board 300 . For example, when a game ball enters the first start winning hole 21, the main control CPU 100a generates a payout designation command instructing to pay out "three" game balls, and outputs it to the payout control board 300. . In addition, the main control CPU 100a may generate a payout designation command instructing the payout of a predetermined number of game balls and output it to the payout control board 300 when the payout condition for a predetermined number of game balls is satisfied. , a predetermined number of payout designation commands instructing the payout of one game ball may be generated and output to the payout control board 300 .

Further, the main control CPU 100a performs various controls other than the control described above, such as control for performing a normal winning lottery, control for giving a normal winning game, and the like.
Next, processing performed by the sub-control CPU 200a will be described.

When a control command is input from the main control CPU 100a, the sub-control CPU 200a controls the effect display device EH, decoration lamp LA, and speaker SP based on the control command. For example, when the sub-control CPU 200a inputs a control command capable of specifying the special symbol to be derived in the special game or a control command capable of specifying the fluctuation time of the special game, the effect display device EH and the decoration lamp are executed so as to execute the effect game. It controls LA and speaker SP. At this time, the sub-control CPU 200a determines the effect content of the effect game based on the input control command, and controls the effect game to be executed with the determined effect content. In addition, when the sub-control CPU 200a inputs a control command for instructing execution of the opening effect or a control command for instructing execution of the ending effect, the sub-control CPU 200a controls the effect display device EH, the decoration lamp, etc. so that the effect corresponding to the input control command is executed. It controls LA and speaker SP.

In addition to the control described above, the sub-control CPU 200a performs various controls such as control for executing a predetermined effect, control for executing a predetermined notification, and the like.
Next, the outline of the control performed by the payout control CPU 300a will be described.

As shown in FIG. 7, the payout control CPU 300a can execute normal payout control and payout confirmation control. Normal payout control is control to pay out game balls when the payout condition is met. The payout confirmation control is a control for confirming whether the payout of game balls is normally performed.

In this embodiment, the payout control CPU 300a can always execute normal payout control. On the other hand, the payout control CPU 300a starts payout confirmation control when a predetermined start condition is satisfied. In the payout confirmation control, the payout control CPU 300a advances the control level when a predetermined progress condition is satisfied. That is, the payout confirmation control is a control in which the control level progresses step by step. In the payout confirmation control, for example, an original position return process as an original position return control for returning the payout operation section 41 of the payout unit 40 to the original position is executed. Although the details will be described later, in the original position return process, one game ball is paid out. That is, in the present embodiment, the return-to-origin process corresponds to specific payout control involving the payout of game balls. Also, in the payout confirmation control, a payout error notification that can identify the occurrence of a payout error in which game balls cannot be paid out normally is executed. In this embodiment, payout confirmation control corresponds to specific error control. The details of the original position return processing and the payout error notification will be described later. Then, the payout control CPU 300a ends the payout confirmation control when a predetermined end condition is satisfied, and returns to the normal payout control.

In the payout confirmation control of the present embodiment, various controls are performed with control contents according to each control level. For example, when the control level is from "0 (zero)" to "4", the original position return processing is executed. At this time, the original position return processing is executed at different time intervals depending on the control level, and for different times depending on the control level. In this embodiment, as the control level progresses, the number of times the original position return process is executed increases. Further, in the present embodiment, the time interval at which the original position return processing is executed becomes longer as the control level progresses. For example, when the control level is "0 (zero)", the original position return process is executed once 0.2 seconds after the control level becomes "0 (zero)". The original position return process is executed twice at intervals of 2 seconds at the control level "1", at intervals of 5 seconds at the control level "2" three times, and at the control level "3", It is executed 4 times at intervals of 10 seconds, and in the case of control level "4", it is executed 27 times at intervals of 20 seconds. In the following description, the time from when the control level becomes "0 (zero)" until the home position return processing is executed, and the time for one home position return from the control level "1" to the control level "4" The time from the execution of the process to the execution of the next return-to-origin process is indicated as "confirmation standby time".

Further, in this embodiment, when the control level in the payout confirmation control is from the control level "3" to the control level "5", payout error occurs in the effect display device EH, the decoration lamp LA, and the speaker SP. A payout error notification that can specify that is executed. That is, in the present embodiment, the effect display device EH, decoration lamp LA, and speaker SP can execute payout error notification based on the control level. In this embodiment, the effect display device EH, the decoration lamp LA, and the speaker SP execute payout error notification on the condition that the control level has progressed to "3". On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the effect display device EH, decoration lamp LA, and speaker SP do not perform payout error notification when the control level is from "0 (zero)" to "2". In other words, in the present embodiment, the control level of payout confirmation control includes a plurality of control levels in which payout error notification is not performed. As described above, in the present embodiment, it can be said that in the effect display device EH, the decoration lamp LA, and the speaker SP, the mode of payout error notification changes according to the progress of the control level.

Details will be described later, but the payout control CPU 300a outputs a payout error command that can specify that a payout error has occurred to the main control CPU 100a, and the main control CPU 100a that has input the payout error command starts payout error notification. is output to the sub-control CPU 200a to cause the payout error notification to be executed. In this embodiment, the effect display device EH, decorative lamp LA, and speaker SP correspond to notification means.

In this embodiment, the effect display device EH, decoration lamp LA, and speaker SP perform payout error notification, but do not notify the current control level. In particular, in this embodiment, the notification mode of the payout error notification is the same regardless of the control level "3" to the control level "5". Therefore, in this embodiment, not only is the current control level not notified, but the current control level cannot be specified from the notification mode of the payout error notification. In addition, in this embodiment, the effect display device EH, the decoration lamp LA, and the speaker SP do not inform progress conditions at the current control level. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the effect display device EH, the decoration lamp LA, and the speaker SP do not notify that the control level has progressed even when the progress condition is satisfied and the control level progresses.

In the payout confirmation control, the payout operation is stopped when the control level is "5". That is, in this embodiment, when the control level reaches "5" in the payout confirmation control, the payout of game balls is not performed.

The conditions for starting payout confirmation control will be described.
As shown in FIG. 8, in this embodiment, there are a plurality of start conditions for the payout confirmation control. The starting condition of the payout confirmation control is that when a game ball payout operation is performed in the normal payout control and a predetermined detection waiting time elapses without detecting the game ball payout after the payout operation. There is a non-detection condition that holds. In other words, the non-detection condition is established when the game ball is not detected by the payout sensor SE5 within a predetermined detection waiting time after the payout unit 40 performs the game ball payout operation triggered by the establishment of the payout condition. In this embodiment, the detection standby time is set to a time sufficiently longer than the time required for the game ball put out from the payout unit 40 to be detected by the payout sensor SE5.

In addition, the condition for starting the payout confirmation control includes continuous payouts that are established when the number of game balls paid out in succession reaches a specific number (100 in this embodiment) and the payout of game balls continues thereafter. There are conditions. In this embodiment, "continuously paid out" means that the number of remaining payouts indicating the number of remaining game balls to be paid out from the payout unit 40 does not become "0 (zero)" in the payout process described later. is intended to be paid out as

In addition, in the start condition of the payout confirmation control, when the home position return processing is executed, the home position return condition that is established when the detection waiting time elapses without detecting the payout of the game ball after that. be. That is, the original position return condition is established when the original position return process is executed and the game ball is not detected by the payout sensor SE5. In other words, the payout confirmation control may be executed after the end of the original position return process when the game ball payout is not detected in the original position return process.

As shown in FIG. 9, the condition for starting the return-to-origin process includes a power-on payout condition that is met when the game ball is paid out for the first time after the pachinko gaming machine 10 is powered on. In other words, the power-on payout condition is a condition that is met when the game ball payout condition is first met after the pachinko gaming machine 10 is powered on. In addition, the condition for starting the return-to-origin process includes an initial payout condition that is satisfied when a new game ball payout is started from a state in which the game ball payout is stopped. In other words, the initial payout condition is a condition that is met when the payout condition is met when the remaining payout number indicating the number of remaining game balls to be put out from the payout unit 40 is "0 (zero)".

Further, as described above, in the payout confirmation control of the present embodiment, the original position return processing is executed. Therefore, the condition for starting the payout confirmation control can also be grasped as the condition for starting the original position return process.

The termination condition of the payout confirmation control will be explained.
As shown in FIG. 10, in the present embodiment, there are a plurality of termination conditions for the payout confirmation control. The end condition of the payout confirmation control includes a detection condition that is established when the payout of the game ball is detected in the original position return process executed during the payout confirmation control. In other words, the payout confirmation control ends when the game ball is detected by the payout sensor SE5 in the original position return process. In addition, the termination condition of the payout confirmation control includes a power interruption recovery condition that is established when the power supply to the pachinko game machine 10 is interrupted (power interruption) and then the power supply is restarted (power recovery). Further, the end condition of the payout confirmation control includes a cancellation operation condition that is established when the error cancellation switch SW is operated. The detection condition among the end conditions is a condition that is satisfied by payout confirmation control. In particular, the detection condition is established when the game ball is detected by the payout sensor SE5 in the original position return process executed during the payout confirmation control. On the other hand, among the termination conditions, the power interruption return condition and the cancellation operation condition are conditions that are established by control different from the payout confirmation control.

Progress conditions and end conditions in each control level of payout confirmation control will be described.
As shown in FIG. 11, in the present embodiment, the progress condition is that when the return-to-origin process is executed for the number of times specified for each control level at time intervals specified for each control level, the payout sensor SE5 Established when the game ball is not detected. That is, in the present embodiment, the progress condition includes that the home position return processing is repeated a number of times determined for each control level. As described above, the number of times the original position return process is executed and the time interval for executing the original position return process are determined for each control level. Therefore, in this embodiment, it can be said that the progress condition is determined for each control level.

Further, as described above, in the present embodiment, as the control level progresses, the number of executions of the home position return process increases and the time interval between executions of the home position return process increases. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it can be said that the progress condition becomes more difficult to satisfy as the control level progresses. In other words, the progress condition when progressing from the current control level to the next control level becomes a progress condition that becomes more difficult to be satisfied as the current control level progresses.

Also, in the present embodiment, the termination condition is defined for each control level. Specifically, in the present embodiment, when the control level is from "0 (zero)" to "2", when at least one of the detection condition and the power interruption recovery condition is satisfied, The payout confirmation control is terminated. In addition, when the control level is "3" and the control level is "4", the payout confirmation control is performed when at least one of the detection condition, the power interruption recovery condition, and the cancellation operation condition is established. is terminated. Then, when the control level is "5", the payout confirmation control is terminated when at least one of the power interruption recovery condition and the release operation condition is satisfied.

In other words, in the present embodiment, the detection condition among the termination conditions of the payout confirmation control is the termination condition when the control level is from "0 (zero)" to "4". In addition, among the termination conditions of the payout confirmation control, the power failure return condition is the termination condition for all control levels. And, among the termination conditions of the payout confirmation control, the cancellation operation condition is the termination condition when the control level is from "3" to "5".

Specific processing performed by the payout control CPU 300a will be described below.
First, the payout process for executing normal payout control will be described.
As shown in FIG. 12, in the payout process, the payout control CPU 300a determines whether the remaining payout number indicating the number of remaining game balls to be paid out from the payout unit 40 is greater than 0 (step S101). The remaining number of payouts is stored in a predetermined storage area of the payout control RAM 300c, and is updated based on the payout designation command when the payout designation command is input from the main control CPU 100a. That is, the payout control CPU 300a updates the remaining number of payouts when the payout condition is met. In this embodiment, the number of remaining payouts corresponds to payout information capable of specifying the number of game balls to be put out, and the payout control RAM 300c corresponds to storage means for storing payout information capable of specifying the number of game balls to be put out. do. Further, the number of remaining payouts may be updated when a ball lending switch (not shown) is operated. When the remaining payout number is 0 (step S101: NO), the payout control CPU 300a ends the payout process.

When the remaining number of payouts is greater than 0 (step S101: YES), the payout control CPU 300a controls the payout unit 40 to perform one payout operation (step S102). That is, the payout control CPU 300a controls the payout unit 40 to execute the payout operation based on the remaining payout number. Specifically, the payout control CPU 300a controls the payout motor 44 to rotate the payout operation unit 41 once in the rotation direction R1 from the original position, thereby causing the payout unit 40 to pay out one game ball. Control. That is, the payout operation in the present embodiment is performed in the payout unit 40 in such an operation mode that the payout operation part 41 rotates once in the rotation direction R1 from the original position (0 step position) and moves to the original position again. Thereafter, the payout control CPU 300a starts measuring a predetermined detection wait time by starting to update the detection wait time timer of the payout control RAM 300c (step S103).

Thereafter, the payout control CPU 300a determines whether or not the game ball paid out from the payout unit 40 is detected by the payout sensor SE5 (step S104). At this time, the payout control CPU 300a makes an affirmative determination when the payout sensor SE5 receives the detection signal output when the game ball is detected, and makes a negative determination when the detection signal is not input. When the game ball put out from the payout unit 40 is not detected by the payout sensor SE5 (step S104: NO), the payout control CPU 300a determines whether the detection waiting time has elapsed (step S105). If the detection standby time has not elapsed (step S105: NO), the payout control CPU 300a returns to the process of step S104. On the other hand, if the detection standby time has elapsed (step S105: YES), the payout control CPU 300a executes payout confirmation processing for executing payout confirmation control (step S106). That is, in the present embodiment, when the payout control CPU 300a makes an affirmative determination in step S105, the non-detection condition among the conditions for starting the payout confirmation control is met, and the payout confirmation process is executed. Details of the payout confirmation process will be described later. In this embodiment, the payout control CPU 300a executes the processing of steps S103 to S105 each time one payout operation (step S102) is executed. That is, in the present embodiment, the payout control CPU 300a determines whether or not the non-detection condition is satisfied each time a payout operation is performed even when a plurality of game balls are continuously paid out. .

On the other hand, when the game ball put out from the payout unit 40 is detected by the payout sensor SE5 (step S104: YES), the payout control CPU 300a subtracts 1 from the remaining number of payouts (step S107). That is, the payout control CPU 300a subtracts 1 from the remaining number of payouts when the payout of game balls is detected before the detection standby time elapses after the payout operation of step S102 is executed. Subsequently, the payout control CPU 300a adds 1 to the continuous payout number indicating the number of game balls that have been paid out continuously in a series of payout processes (step S108). The number of consecutive payouts is stored in a predetermined storage area of the payout control RAM 300c. After that, the payout control CPU 300a finishes updating the detection waiting time timer of the payout control RAM 300c, erases the value of the timer, and finishes measuring the detection waiting time (step S109).

When the process of step S106 is completed and when the process of step S109 is completed, the payout control CPU 300a determines whether the remaining payout number is greater than 0 (step S110). When the remaining payout number is greater than 0 (step S110: YES), the payout control CPU 300a determines whether or not the continuous payout number is 100 (step S111). When the consecutive payout number is 100 (step S111: YES), the payout control CPU 300a erases the consecutive payout number (step S112). Thereafter, the payout control CPU 300a executes payout confirmation processing (step S113). That is, in the present embodiment, when the payout control CPU 300a makes an affirmative determination in step S111, the continuous payout condition among the conditions for starting the payout confirmation control is met, and the payout confirmation process is executed. Also, as described above, in the present embodiment, when step S111 is affirmatively determined, the payout control CPU 300a erases the number of consecutive payouts, and then counts the number of consecutive payouts each time the payout operation is executed again. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the continuous payout condition is met each time the number of game balls that are continuously paid out reaches 100 pieces.

When the number of consecutive payouts is not 100 (step S111: NO) and when the process of step S113 is completed, the payout control CPU 300a returns to the process of step S102. On the other hand, when the remaining payout number is 0 (step S110: NO), the payout control CPU 300a erases the continuous payout number (step S114). After that, the payout control CPU 300a ends the payout process.

Next, the payout confirmation process will be described. The payout confirmation process is a process executed when conditions for starting payout confirmation control are met. Specifically, the payout confirmation process is executed when the non-detection condition is met in the payout process (step S105: YES) and when the continuous payout condition is met (step S111: YES). The payout confirmation process is also executed when the original position return condition is met in the original position return process described later.

As shown in FIG. 13, in the payout confirmation process, the payout control CPU 300a sets the control level stored in a predetermined storage area of the payout control RAM 300c to "0 (zero)" (step S201). After that, the payout control CPU 300a starts to measure a predetermined confirmation wait time by starting to update the confirmation wait time timer of the payout control RAM 300c (step S202). As described above, in this embodiment, the confirmation wait time varies depending on the current control level. Subsequently, the payout control CPU 300a determines whether or not the confirmation waiting time has elapsed (step S203). If the confirmation standby time has not elapsed (step S203: NO), the payout control CPU 300a waits until the confirmation standby time has elapsed. When the notification and confirmation waiting time have passed (step S203: YES), the payout control CPU 300a executes the original position return processing (step S204). Although details will be described later, the payout control CPU 300a controls the payout control of a home position return processing abnormality flag indicating that the home position return processing is not normally completed when the payout of the game ball is not detected in the home position return processing. Stored in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 300c. On the other hand, the payout control CPU 300a does not store the home position return processing abnormality flag when the payout of the game ball is detected in the home position return processing.

When the original position return processing is completed, the payout control CPU 300a determines whether or not an original position return processing abnormality flag is stored in a predetermined storage area of the payout control RAM 300c (step S205). When the original position return processing abnormality flag is not stored (step S205: NO), the payout control CPU 300a subtracts 1 from the remaining payout number (step S206). Next, the payout control CPU 300a adds 1 to the number of consecutive payouts (step S207). Then, the payout control CPU 300a erases the control level (step S208). Thereafter, the payout control CPU 300a ends the payout confirmation process and returns to the payout process. Thus, in this embodiment, when the payout of the game ball is detected in the original position return process executed in the payout confirmation process, the payout confirmation process is terminated. That is, in the present embodiment, the detection condition among the termination conditions of the payout confirmation control is established by detecting the payout of the game ball in the original position return process executed in the payout confirmation process.

On the other hand, when the original position return processing abnormality flag is stored (step S205: YES), the payout control CPU 300a determines whether or not the progress condition is satisfied (step S209). As described above, in this embodiment, the progression conditions are different depending on the current control level. Specifically, in step S209, the payout control CPU 300a determines whether or not the original position return process has been completed the number of times determined according to the current control level. The payout control CPU 300a makes an affirmative determination in step S209 when the original position return process has been completed the number of times determined according to the current control level. If the position return processing has not ended, a negative determination is made in step S209.

If the progress condition is not satisfied (step S209: NO), the payout control CPU 300a returns to the process of step S202. On the other hand, if the progress condition is satisfied (step S209: YES), the payout control CPU 300a adds 1 to the control level (step S210). Thereafter, the payout control CPU 300a determines whether or not the control level is "3" (step S211). When the control level is "3" (step S211: YES), the payout control CPU 300a generates a payout error command and outputs it to the main control CPU 100a (step S212). At this time, when the main control CPU 100a inputs a payout error command, it outputs a payout error notification command to the sub-control CPU 200a. Then, when the sub-control CPU 200a inputs the payout error notification command, it controls the effect display device EH, the decoration lamp LA, and the speaker SP so as to start the payout error notification. After that, the payout control CPU 300a returns to the process of step S202.

On the other hand, if the control level is not "3" (step S211: NO), the payout control CPU 300a determines whether the control level is "5" (step S213). If the control level is not "5" (step S213: NO), the payout control CPU 300a returns to the process of step S202. On the other hand, if the control level is "5" (step S213: YES), the payout control CPU 300a stops the payout operation (step S214). After that, the payout control CPU 300a waits until the end condition of the payout confirmation control is satisfied, and terminates the payout confirmation control by ending the payout confirmation process when the end condition of the payout confirmation control is satisfied. As described above, the conditions for ending the payout confirmation control include a detection condition that is satisfied when the game ball is put out in the original position return process executed in the payout confirmation process, and a power interruption return condition. Or there is a cancellation operation condition. That is, in the present embodiment, the payout confirmation process inputs an operation signal indicating that the error release switch SW has been operated when the current control level is any of the control levels "3" to "5". It also ends when the power supply to the pachinko game machine 10 is interrupted (power cut off) and then restarted (power recovery).

Next, the original position return processing will be described in detail.
As shown in FIG. 14, when the conditions for starting the return-to-origin process are established, the payout control CPU 300a first controls the payout motor 44 to the first and second excitation states (step S301). Next, the payout control CPU 300a switches the excitation state of the payout motor 44 to operate the payout operation unit 41 in two steps (step S302). That is, the payout control CPU 300a rotates the payout operation unit 41 from the current position in the rotation direction R1 by two steps. Therefore, for example, when the current position of the payout operation part 41 is the 0 step position, it rotates to the 2 step position, and when the current position is the 12 step position, it rotates to the 14 step position. In the present embodiment, the amount of motion when the payout motion unit 41 operates by the two-step motion corresponds to a predetermined unit motion amount, and the two-step motion is performed by the predetermined unit motion amount of the payout motion unit 41. It is equivalent to the unit motion to do. Also, the payout control CPU 300a starts measuring a predetermined payout standby time in the process of step S302. Subsequently, the payout control CPU 300a adds 1 to the number of operations stored in the predetermined storage area of the payout control RAM 300c, and updates it (step S303). In this embodiment, the number of operations corresponds to the number of times the payout operation unit 41 is operated two steps in the original position return process.

Next, the payout control CPU 300a determines whether or not the payout of game balls has been detected based on whether or not a detection signal has been input from the payout sensor SE5 (step S304). When the payout of game balls is not detected (step S304: NO), the payout control CPU 300a determines whether or not the payout standby time has elapsed (step S305). If the payout standby time has not elapsed (step S305: NO), the payout control CPU 300a returns to the process of step S304. As a result, the payout control CPU 300a causes the payout operation unit 41 to operate in two steps, and then waits until the payout of the game ball is detected or the payout waiting time elapses.

When the payout standby time has elapsed (step S305: YES), the payout control CPU 300a determines whether or not the number of operations has reached 20 (step S306). In addition, as described above, in the present embodiment, the payout operation unit 41 is configured to make one rotation when performing 20 steps. Therefore, reaching 20 times of the two-step motion corresponds to two rotations of the payout motion part 41 . If the number of operations has not reached 20 (step S306: NO), the payout control CPU 300a returns to the process of step S302. That is, if the payout control CPU 300a does not detect the payout of the game ball within the payout waiting time after performing the 2-step action, the payout control CPU 300a repeats the 2-step action until the payout action unit 41 rotates twice.

On the other hand, if the number of operations has reached 20 (step S306: YES), the payout control CPU 300a sets a home position return processing abnormality flag that can identify that the home position return processing did not end normally, to the payout control RAM 300c. (step S307). After that, the payout control CPU 300a ends the original position return processing. That is, in the home position return processing of the present embodiment, the payout control CPU 300a determines that the home position return processing was not normally completed when the payout operation unit 41 rotates twice without the game ball being paid out, A position return processing abnormality flag is set, and the original position return processing is terminated.

Further, when the payout of game balls is detected before the payout waiting time elapses (step S304: YES), the payout control CPU 300a determines whether or not the number of operations is an even number (a multiple of 2) (step S308). ). In step S308, the payout control CPU 300a can specify the current position of the payout operation unit 41 by determining whether or not the number of operations when the payout of the game ball is detected is an even number. The original position of the part 41 can be specified.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, in the present embodiment, the possible positions of the payout action unit 41 are determined according to the excitation state of the payout motor 44 . Here, in the original position return processing of this embodiment, since the payout motor 44 is controlled to the first and second excitation states in step S301, the positions of the payout operation unit 41 when step S301 is performed are 0, 4, 8, 12 or 16 step position. Then, in the original position return process, the two-step operation of the payout operation unit 41 is repeated in steps S302 to S306. Therefore, when the number of operations, which is the number of times the 2-step operation is performed in the original position return process, is an even number, the position of the payout operation unit 41 is one of the 0, 4, 8, 12, and 16 step positions. When the number of operations is an odd number, the positions of the payout operation unit 41 are the 2nd, 6th, 10th, 14th and 18th step positions. As described above, the position (payout position) of the payout operation section 41 when the game ball is paid out from the payout unit 40 in this embodiment is the 3rd to 6th step position. Therefore, when the payout of the game ball is detected in the original position return processing of this embodiment, the position of the payout operation unit 41 at that time is the 4-step position when the number of operations is even, and the position is the 4 step position when the number of operations is odd. At some point it will be in the 6 step position.

Thereby, the payout control CPU 300a can specify the current position of the payout operation unit 41. FIG. Further, as described above, the payout operation unit 41 of the present embodiment is configured to make one rotation in 20 steps. Therefore, the payout control CPU 300a can specify the original position of the payout operation unit 41 by specifying the current position of the payout operation unit 41. FIG.

Then, as shown in FIG. 14, when the number of operations is an even number (step S308: YES), the payout control CPU 300a causes the payout operation unit 41 to operate 16 steps (step S309). That is, in step S309, the payout control CPU 300a causes the payout operation unit 41 to operate 16 steps from the 4 step position, thereby returning to the original position (0 step position). On the other hand, when the number of operations is not an even number (step S308: NO), the payout control CPU 300a causes the payout operation unit 41 to operate 14 steps (step S310). That is, in step S310, the payout control CPU 300a causes the payout operation unit 41 to operate 14 steps from the 6 step position, thereby returning to the original position (0 step position).

Thus, in the original position return processing of the present embodiment, the operation of the payout operation section 41 changes according to the timing at which the game ball is detected by the payout sensor SE5. Specifically, in the original position return process, the operation amount of the payout operation unit 41 changes according to the timing at which the game ball is detected by the payout sensor SE5. The amount of operation of the payout operation unit 41 differs according to the number of times of the two-step action repeated until the game ball is detected by the payout sensor SE5 in the original position return process. In particular, in the original position return process, when the number of times of the two-step operation repeated until the game ball is detected by the payout sensor SE5 is an even number and when it is an odd number, the operation amount of the payout operation unit 41 after that is different.

When the process of step S309 or step S310 ends, the payout control CPU 300a erases the home position return process abnormality flag (step S311). In step S311, the payout control CPU 300a performs processing to erase the home position return processing abnormality flag regardless of whether or not the home position return processing abnormality flag is stored in a predetermined storage area of the payout control RAM 300c. After that, the payout control CPU 300a ends the original position return processing.

As described above, in the original position return processing of the present embodiment, the payout operation unit 41 is moved to the payout position and then returned to the original position. That is, the original position return processing of the present embodiment corresponds to specific control for returning the payout operation unit 41 to the payout position and then returning it to the original position. Then, in the original position return processing of this embodiment, the payout control CPU 300a controls the payout operation unit 41 to repeat the two-step operation until one game ball is paid out, and the operation when the game ball is paid out is performed. By operating the payout operation unit 41 according to the number of times, the payout operation unit 41 can be returned to the original position. Specifically, the payout control CPU 300a causes the payout unit 40 to pay out one game ball by repeating steps S302 to S306. That is, the payout unit 40 pays out one game ball by causing the payout operation section 41 to execute a payout operation in which the payout operation section 41 rotates once in the rotation direction R1 from the original position and moves to the original position again. Also, the payout control CPU 300a specifies the position of the payout action unit 41 when the game ball is paid out and the original position of the payout action unit 41 by the determination in step S308. Then, the payout control CPU 300a moves the payout operation unit 41 to the original position in steps S309 and S310.

In this embodiment, steps S302 to S306 of the original position return process correspond to the first process of paying out one game ball. Further, step S308 of the original position return process corresponds to the second process of specifying the original position based on the timing at which the game ball put out in the first process is detected by the payout sensor SE5. Steps S309 and S310 of the original position return process correspond to the third process of operating the payout operation section 41 of the payout unit 40 to the original position specified in the second process.

In addition, in the original position return processing of the present embodiment, the control from the current position to the initial movement of the payout operation unit 41 to the original position corresponds to the control of the first stage. The control when operating again corresponds to the control of the second stage. In the original position return processing of the present embodiment, the control of the second stage ends when the payout operation unit 41 returns to the original position or repeats the 2-step operation 20 times without detecting the payout of the game ball. .

Here, a specific example of the operation mode of the payout operation unit 41 when the original position return processing is executed, and its operation will be described.
First, with reference to FIG. 15, a case where a game ball is paid out from the payout unit 40 during the period from the current position until the payout operation unit 41 first moves to the original position in the original position return process will be described.

As shown in FIG. 15(a), in the original position return process, the payout control CPU 300a first controls the payout motor 44 to the first and second excitation states. As a result, the position of the payout operation part 41 becomes one of the 0, 4, 8, 12, and 16 step positions. In this example, it is assumed that the payout operation unit 41 is at the 0 step position (original position). After that, the payout control CPU 300a controls the payout motor 44 so that the payout operation unit 41 repeats the two-step operation. In this example, it is assumed that the game ball is detected by the payout sensor SE5 when the number of operations of the 2-step operation in the original position return process is two. In this case, the payout control CPU 300a can specify that the current position of the payout operation unit 41 is the 4th step position, since the number of operations in the original position return process is an even number. Then, the payout control CPU 300a returns the payout operation unit 41 to the original position (0 step position) by controlling the payout motor 44 to operate the payout operation unit 41 in 16 steps. After that, the payout control CPU 300a ends the original position return processing.

Also, as shown in FIG. 15(b), it is assumed that the game ball is detected by the payout sensor SE5 when the number of operations of the 2-step operation in the original position return processing has reached 3 times. In this case, the payout control CPU 300a can specify that the current position of the payout action unit 41 is the 6th step position, because the number of operations in the original position return process is an odd number. Then, the payout control CPU 300a returns the payout operation unit 41 to the original position (0 step position) by controlling the payout motor 44 to operate the payout operation unit 41 in 14 steps. After that, the payout control CPU 300a ends the original position return processing.

Thus, in the original position return processing of the present embodiment, when the game ball is detected by the payout sensor SE5 during the period from the current position to the first movement of the payout operation unit 41 to the home position, the payout operation unit 41 moves to the original position for the first time, the original position return processing ends. That is, in the original position return processing of the present embodiment, when the game ball is detected by the payout sensor SE5 in the first stage until the payout operation unit 41 moves from the current position to the original position for the first time, the first stage is performed. It ends with the end.

Next, in the original position return process, the game ball is not paid out from the payout unit 40 until the payout operation unit 41 moves from the current position to the original position for the first time. A case where a game ball is put out from the payout unit 40 before it moves to the position will be described.

As shown in FIG. 16, in this example, when the payout motor 44 is initially controlled to the first and second excitation states, the payout operation unit 41 is assumed to be at the 12th step position. After that, the payout control CPU 300a controls the payout motor 44 so that the payout operation unit 41 repeats the two-step operation. In this example, the payout operation unit 41 moves to the original position (0 step position) when the number of operations of the 2-step operation in the original position return process reaches 4 times. However, at this time, the game ball is not paid out from the payout unit 40, and the payout control CPU 300a which has not input the detection signal from the payout sensor SE5 cannot specify the current position of the payout operation section 41. Therefore, the payout control CPU 300a continues to control the payout motor 44 so that the payout operation unit 41 repeats the two-step operation even after the payout operation unit 41 first moves to the original position. Then, in this example, it is assumed that the game ball is detected by the payout sensor SE5 when the number of operations of the 2-step operation in the original position return process reaches 6 times. In this case, the payout control CPU 300a can specify that the current position of the payout operation unit 41 is the 4-step position, since the number of operations in the original position return process is an even number. Then, the payout control CPU 300a returns the payout operation unit 41 to the original position (0 step position) by controlling the payout motor 44 to operate the payout operation unit 41 in 16 steps. After that, the payout control CPU 300a ends the original position return processing.

Thus, in the present embodiment, the game ball is not paid out until the payout operation unit 41 first moves from the current position to the original position in the original position return process, and then the payout operation unit 41 rotates again. When the game ball is put out before it moves to the original position, the process of returning to the original position is terminated as the payout operation unit 41 moves to the original position for the second time.

Next, the case where the game ball is not paid out from the payout unit 40 while the payout operation section 41 operates 20 steps in the original position return process will be described.
As shown in FIG. 17, in this example, it is assumed that when the payout motor 44 is initially controlled to the first and second excitation states, the payout operation section 41 is at the 0 step position. After that, the payout control CPU 300a controls the payout motor 44 so that the payout operation unit 41 repeats the two-step operation. In this example, it is assumed that the game ball is not detected by the payout sensor SE5 even if the number of operations of the 2-step operation in the original position return process reaches 20 times. In this case, the payout control CPU 300a stores an original position return processing abnormality flag in a predetermined storage area of the payout control RAM 300c. After that, the payout control CPU 300a ends the original position return processing.

Thus, in the original position return processing of this embodiment, the operation of the payout operation section 41 changes depending on whether or not the game ball is detected by the payout sensor SE5. In particular, in the original position return process, when the game ball is detected by the payout sensor SE5, the payout operation unit 41 is operated by an operation amount corresponding to the number of operations when the game ball is detected, thereby returning to the original position. On the other hand, when the game ball is not detected by the payout sensor SE5, the 2-step action of the payout operation section 41 is performed only 20 times. In other words, the payout operation unit 41 is returned to the original position when the game ball is detected by the payout sensor SE5 in the original position return process, while the game ball is not detected by the payout sensor SE5 in the original position return process. Then, it is operated by a predetermined amount of operation. That is, in the original position return process, the operation amount of the payout operation unit 41 changes depending on whether or not the game ball is detected by the payout sensor SE5.

Further, as described above, in the original position return processing of the present embodiment, when the game ball is detected by the payout sensor SE5 in the first stage until the payout operation unit 41 moves from the current position to the original position for the first time, , and then ends when the payout operation unit 41 is moved to the original position. On the other hand, the original position return processing of this embodiment ends with the end of the second stage which is performed after the end of the first stage when the game ball is not detected by the payout sensor SE5 in the first stage. At this time, when the game ball is detected by the payout sensor SE5 in the second step, the control of the second step ends with the payout operation unit 41 returning to the original position, while the second step When the game ball is not detected by the payout sensor SE5, the payout operation section 41 repeats the 2-step operation 20 times, and the process ends. Thus, the original position return processing of the present embodiment consists of a first stage in which the dispensing operation unit 41 moves from its current position to the original position, and a second stage in which the dispensing operation unit 41 moves again from the original position. Among them, at least the first step is included and executed.

The action and effect of this embodiment will be described.
(1) The original position return process ends when the first stage is completed when the game ball is detected in the first stage in which the payout operation unit 41 moves from the current position to the original position. On the other hand, in the original position return process, when the payout of the game ball is not detected in the first stage, the second stage in which the payout operation unit 41 operates again from the original position is executed after the end of the first stage. When the payout of game balls is detected in the second stage, the process is terminated with the end of the second stage. According to this, it is possible to prevent the time when the game ball is put out and the time when the game ball is not put out from being mixed in the original position return process, so that it is possible to appropriately control the payout of the game ball.

(2) The start condition of the payout confirmation control includes the original position return condition that is established when the home position return process is executed and the detection waiting time has passed without detecting the payout of the game ball after that. There is Therefore, the payout control CPU 300a can execute the payout confirmation control when the payout of the game ball is not detected even in the second stage of the original position return processing. Then, in the payout confirmation control, it is possible to execute payout error notification that can specify that a payout error has occurred in which game balls cannot be paid out normally. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately control the payout of game balls.

(3) The payout unit 40 pays out one game ball by a payout operation in which the payout operation unit 41 makes one rotation in the rotation direction R1 from the original position and moves to the original position again. According to this, the payout operation part 41 is positioned at the original position where the next payout operation can be started at the end of one payout operation. Therefore, when a plurality of game balls are put out, there is no need to perform a preparatory operation between one payout operation and the next payout operation, and the game balls can be quickly put out. .

(4) Since the payout operation unit 41 moves from the original position to the payout position via a non-payout position different from the original position, the payout operation unit 41 may be moved from the original position by mistake. However, it is possible to prevent the game balls from being paid out immediately. Furthermore, since the payout operation part 41 does not rotate in the direction opposite to the rotation direction R1 in the payout operation, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of clogging of the game balls due to movement of the game balls in the opposite direction.

(5) When the dispensing operation part 41 rotates in the rotation direction R1, the amount of movement when the dispensing operation part 41 rotates from the original position to the dispensing position is larger than the amount of movement when rotating from the dispensing position to the original position. small. According to this, when the game ball is put out by the payout operation, the time from when the payout operation unit 41 starts rotating in the rotation direction R1 to when the game ball is put out can be shortened. Game balls can be paid out.

(6) The condition for starting payout confirmation control includes a continuous payout condition that is met when the number of game balls paid out in succession reaches 100 and the game balls continue to be put out. Then, in the payout confirmation control, the original position return processing is executed. Therefore, even when the game balls are normally paid out, when 100 or more game balls are continuously paid out, the payout operation unit 41 executes the original position return processing in the payout confirmation control. can be operated in situ. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an abnormality from occurring in the payout operation unit 41 in advance.

(7) The conditions for starting the return-to-origin process include power-on payout conditions that are established when the game balls are paid out for the first time after the pachinko gaming machine 10 is powered on. According to this, when the payout condition is satisfied for the first time after the pachinko game machine 10 is powered on, the original position return processing is executed, so that the payout unit 40 malfunctions after the pachinko game machine 10 is powered on. It is possible to prevent the payout operation from being started while the

(8) The condition for starting the return-to-origin process includes an initial payout condition that is satisfied when a new game ball payout is started from a state in which the game ball payout is stopped. According to this, when starting to put out a new game ball from a state in which the putting out of game balls is stopped, the original position return processing is executed, so that the putting out operation starts while an abnormality occurs in the putting out unit 40. You can prevent it from being done.

(9) In the original position return process, the payout control CPU 300a can operate the payout operation section 41 of the payout unit 40 according to the timing at which the game ball is detected during the original position return process. According to this, it is possible to properly return the payout operation unit 41 to the original position even when a game ball is detected in a plurality of timings in the original position return process.

(10) In particular, in the original position return process, the payout control CPU 300a can operate the payout operation section 41 of the payout unit 40 by an appropriate amount of operation according to the timing at which the game ball is detected during the original position return process. . According to this, even if there are a plurality of possible step positions of the payout operation part 41 when the game ball is detected in the original position return process, the payout operation part 41 can be appropriately returned to the original position. can.

(11) In the original position return process, the payout control CPU 300a controls the payout operation unit 41 so that one game ball is put out, and the current state of the payout operation unit 41 is based on the timing at which the game ball is put out. Identify the location and home position. Then, the payout control CPU 300a moves the payout operation unit 41 to the original position by operating the payout operation unit 41 based on the specified result. According to this, the payout control CPU 300a can return the payout operation unit 41 to the original position even when the current position and the original position of the payout operation unit 41 cannot be specified.

(12) The payout control CPU 300a can cause the payout operation unit 41 to operate by an appropriate amount of operation according to the number of operations of the two-step operation repeated until the game ball is detected in the original position return process.

(13) In particular, the payout control CPU 300a pays out an appropriate operation amount according to whether the number of operations of the 2-step operation repeated until the game ball is detected in the original position return process is an even number or an odd number. The operation unit 41 can be made to operate.

(14) In the original position return process, the payout control CPU 300a can operate the payout operation section 41 of the payout unit 40 in an appropriate operation mode depending on whether or not the game ball is detected during the original position return process. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately control the payout of game balls.

(15) In particular, in the original position return process, the payout control CPU 300a operates the payout operation section 41 of the payout unit 40 by an appropriate amount of operation depending on whether or not the game ball is detected during the original position return process. can be done.

(16) In the payout confirmation control, the control level progresses when the progress condition is established, and the payout error notification is executed based on the control level, so that the payout error notification can be appropriately executed according to the current game situation. . Since the progress condition is determined for each control level, the progress of the control level can be controlled in more detail according to the game situation, and the payout error notification can be executed appropriately.

(17) In the payout confirmation control, the more the control level progresses, the more difficult it becomes to establish the progress condition for progressing to the next control level. Proceeding to the control level can be suppressed. Therefore, the control level can be appropriately advanced according to the game situation.

(18) In the payout confirmation control, the control level can be advanced after executing the home position return processing for the number of times determined for each control level. It is possible to suppress Therefore, the control level can be appropriately advanced according to the game situation.

(19) In the payout confirmation control, the payout error notification can be performed until the control level "3" is reached, while the payout error notification can be performed after the control level "3" is reached. For this reason, compared with the case where, for example, a payout error is notified along with the start of payout confirmation control, it is possible to prevent the player from feeling annoyed until the control level reaches "3". After reaching the control level "3", it is possible to inform that a payout error has occurred by performing a payout error notice.

(20) In the payout confirmation control, between the control level "0 (zero)" and the control level "2", various processing related to payout confirmation control can be executed without notifying the payout error, so the control level "3" , the process up to the control level "3" can be defined in more detail while preventing the player from feeling annoyed until the control level "3" is reached.

(21) In the present embodiment, when the payout operation of the game ball is performed in the normal payout control, the predetermined detection standby time has elapsed without detecting the payout of the game ball after the payout operation. Even if the detection condition is established and the payout confirmation control is started, the payout error notification is not executed until the control level reaches "3". For this reason, for example, when the non-detection condition is satisfied and the payout confirmation control is started, the payout error notification is executed immediately, and the payout error is detected after accurately ascertaining whether the payout error has occurred. Notification can be performed.

(22) Payout Control The CPU 300a can confirm whether or not a payout error occurs each time a payout operation is performed, even when a plurality of game balls are continuously paid out. You can check whether a payout error has occurred in

(23) Since there are multiple end conditions for ending the payout confirmation control, it is possible to control the end timing of the payout confirmation control in more detail. Therefore, the payout confirmation control can be properly executed according to the game situation.

(24) Among the end conditions of the payout confirmation control, the detection condition can be satisfied in the payout confirmation control, while the power interruption recovery condition and the cancellation operation condition can be satisfied by control different from the payout confirmation control. According to this, the end condition may be satisfied as a result of the payout confirmation control, and the payout confirmation control may be terminated. It may be established and the payout confirmation control may be terminated. For this reason, it is possible to control in more detail the trigger for ending the payout confirmation control according to the game situation.

(25) The payout confirmation control ends when the detection condition among the end conditions is established when the payout of the game ball is detected in the payout confirmation control. For this reason, in the present embodiment, the payout confirmation control is continued even though the game balls are normally paid out. It is possible to prevent the player from feeling annoyed, such as the continuation of the error notification.

(26) The payout confirmation control ends when the cancel operation condition among the end conditions is established when the error cancel switch SW is operated. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the payout confirmation control can be terminated quickly according to the game situation by operating the error release switch SW, for example, by the administrator of the gaming machine.

(27) Since the end condition is defined for each control level, the timing for ending the payout confirmation control can be controlled in more detail according to the progress of the control level.
(28) In this embodiment, when the control level "3" is reached in the payout confirmation control, the payout error notification is executed, but the current control level is not notified. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the control level from being intentionally adjusted, for example, by preventing the payout error notification from being executed when a fraudulent act is performed.

(29) Since the notification mode of the payout error notification is the same when the control level is from "3" to "5", it is possible to make it difficult to guess the control level from the notification mode of the payout error notification.

(30) In this embodiment, in addition to the fact that the control level is not reported, even if the progress condition is satisfied and the control level progresses, the fact that the control level has progressed is not reported. can be made even more difficult to guess.

(31) In the payout confirmation control, original position return processing is performed. For this reason, even if the game balls are not normally paid out because the payout operation unit 41 of the payout unit 40 is stopped at a position other than the original position, the original position return processing is performed in the payout confirmation control. is performed to return the payout operation unit 41 to the original position, the payout error can be eliminated.

(32) Since the number of times the original position return process is executed is determined for each control level, the original position return process can be executed an appropriate number of times according to the game situation.
(33) Particularly, in the present embodiment, the more the control level progresses, the more times the original position return process is executed. You can try to eliminate the payout error by running more.

(34) Since the time interval for executing the home position return process multiple times is determined for each control level, the home position return process is performed multiple times at appropriate time intervals according to the game situation. can be executed.

(35) In particular, in this embodiment, the more the control level progresses, the longer the time interval between multiple executions of the original position return process. It can be expected that the payout error will be resolved naturally before the

This embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications.
This embodiment and the following modified examples can be implemented in combination with each other within a technically consistent range.

- In the original position return process, the maximum number of times that the payout action unit 41 performs the two-step action when the payout of the game ball is not detected may be changed as appropriate. For example, the payout control CPU 300a terminates the operation of the payout operation unit 41 and stores the home position return processing abnormality flag when the total number of operations reaches a predetermined number of times greater than 20 in step S306 of the home position return processing. You can let it run. At this time, the predetermined number of times is preferably a multiple of ten. According to this, if the position of the payout operation unit 41 when starting the home position return processing is the home position, the game ball is not detected by the payout sensor SE5 in the home position return processing, and the current state of the payout operation unit 41 Even if the position and the original position cannot be specified, the payout operation unit 41 eventually returns to the original position. In this case, in the control of the second stage, a series of operations are performed multiple times, in which the payout operation unit 41 moves from the original position to the payout position and then moves back to the original position. According to this, the payout control CPU 300a can prevent the home position return processing from being finished without returning the payout operation unit 41 to the home position due to the non-payout of the game ball. In step S306 of the home position return processing, the payout control CPU 300a terminates the operation of the payout operation unit 41 and stores the home position return processing abnormality flag when the total number of operations reaches a predetermined number smaller than 20. You can let it run.

- In the original position return process, the amount of operation when the payout operation unit 41 is operated once may be changed as appropriate. For example, the payout control CPU 300a may control the payout operation unit 41 to operate one step in step S102 of the original position return processing. According to this, it is possible to reduce the amount of movement of the payout operation unit 41 in one operation in the original position return process, so that it is possible to accurately grasp at which position the game ball has been paid out. In this case, the payout control CPU 300a terminates the operation of the payout operation unit 41 when the total number of operations reaches 40 in step S106 of the home position return processing, and stores the home position return processing abnormality flag. good too. Also, in this case, when the game ball is detected by the payout sensor SE5 in the original position return process, the payout control CPU 300a determines the current position of the payout operation unit 41 and It is preferable to specify the original position and control the dispensing operation unit 41 so as to return to the specified original position. In this case, the payout control CPU 300a can specify that the current position of the payout operation unit 41 is the 4-step position if the total number of operations when the game ball is detected is a multiple of 4. In addition, the payout control CPU 300a shifts to the 3 step position if the total number of operations is less than a multiple of 4 by 1, and shifts to the 6 step position if the total number of operations is less than a multiple of 4 by 2. is the number of times less than a multiple of 4 by 3, the 5-step position can be identified as the current position of the payout operation unit 41, respectively. Further, for example, the payout control CPU 300a may control the payout operation unit 41 to perform four steps in step S102 of the original position return processing. According to this, in the original position return process, the payout operation part 41 can be rotated once with a small number of operations, so the original position return process can be executed quickly.

- The speed at which the payout operation unit 41 is operated in the original position return process and the speed at which the payout operation unit 41 is operated in the normal payout control may be different. For example, the payout control CPU 300a may control the operation speed of the payout action unit 41 to be slower in the original position return process than in the normal payout control. According to this, the payout control CPU 300a can more accurately specify the timing at which the game ball is put out in the original position return process, so that the payout operation unit 41 can be returned to the original position more accurately. Further, the payout control CPU 300a may perform control so that the operation speed of the payout operation unit 41 is faster in the original position return process than in the normal payout control. According to this, the payout control CPU 300a can quickly execute the original position return processing.

- The positional relationship between the payout position and the non-payout position of the payout operation unit 41 may be changed as appropriate. For example, when the payout motion unit 41 rotates in the rotation direction R1, the amount of motion when moving from the original position to the payout position may be larger than the amount of motion when moving from the payout position to the original position. That is, the payout position of the payout operation part 41 may be a position after the position when half-rotated in the rotation direction R1 from the original position. According to this, when the payout operation part 41 rotates from the original position in the rotation direction R1, it is possible to increase the amount of movement until it reaches the payout position. Even if it does, it is possible to prevent game balls from being put out. Further, when the payout operation unit 41 rotates in the rotation direction R1, the amount of movement when moving from the original position to the payout position may be the same as the amount of movement when moving from the payout position to the original position. . That is, the payout position of the payout operation part 41 may be the position when it is half-rotated in the rotation direction R1 from the original position. According to this, regardless of whether the payout operation unit 41 rotates from the original position in the rotation direction R1 or rotates in the opposite direction to the rotation direction R1, the operation to reach the payout position is performed. Since the amount can be increased, even if the payout operation unit 41 rotates by mistake, it is possible to suppress the payout of game balls.

- The payout control CPU 300a may be able to rotate the payout operation unit 41 in a direction opposite to the rotation direction R1.
- The amount of movement when the payout operation unit 41 pays out one game ball may be changed as appropriate. For example, the payout operation unit 41 may be configured to pay out one game ball by making a half rotation in the rotation direction R1.

- It may be embodied in a pachinko game machine equipped with an original position sensor capable of identifying whether or not the payout operation unit 41 is located at the original position, or may be embodied in a pachinko game machine without such an original position sensor. When embodied in a gaming machine having an original position sensor, the payout control CPU 300a operates the payout operation unit 41 to the original position specified according to the timing when the game ball is detected by the payout sensor SE5 in the original position return process. However, when the payout operation unit 41 is not detected by the original position sensor, control may be performed to store an original position return processing abnormality flag. Moreover, it may be embodied in a gaming machine that does not have a home position sensor capable of identifying whether or not the payout operation unit 41 is positioned at the home position.

- The conditions for starting the return-to-origin process may be changed as appropriate. For example, the condition for starting the return-to-origin process includes over-detection that is established when two or more game balls are detected by the pay-out sensor SE5 during the period from performing one pay-out operation until the detection waiting time elapses. There may be conditions. Moreover, some or all of the power-on payout condition and the initial payout condition may not be provided. If all the conditions are not met, the return-to-origin process will be started only when the conditions for starting the payout confirmation control are satisfied.

- In the payout confirmation control, instead of or in addition to the original position return process, a payout operation of paying out one game ball may be executed. That is, in the payout confirmation control, it is only necessary to execute the abnormality elimination process for eliminating the payout error, and the abnormality elimination process does not have to be the original position return process. Also, in the payout confirmation control, it is not necessary to execute the abnormality resolution process.

- The content of control in payout confirmation control may be changed as appropriate. For example, the number of times or the time interval of the home position return processing in each control level may be changed. Also, in the payout confirmation control, the original position return process may not be executed. In this case, in the payout confirmation control, normal payout control is stopped for a predetermined waiting time, and by confirming whether or not the payout sensor SE5 has detected the game ball during that time, the abnormality related to the payout of the game ball is naturally resolved. You can check if you did.

- The conditions for starting payout confirmation control may be changed as appropriate. For example, the start condition of the payout confirmation control includes an overdetection condition that is established when two or more game balls are detected by the payout sensor SE5 during the period from when the payout operation is performed once until the detection standby time elapses. There may be Also, some of the non-detection condition, continuous payout condition, and original position return condition may not be provided. For example, the condition for starting payout confirmation control may be only the non-detection condition.

The payout control CPU 300a does not need to determine whether or not the non-detection condition is established each time a payout operation is performed when a plurality of game balls are continuously paid out. In this case, for example, the payout control CPU 300a may determine whether or not the non-detection condition is satisfied each time a predetermined number of payout actions are performed, or the first payout action among a plurality of consecutive payout actions Alternatively, it may be determined whether or not the non-detection condition is established in the last payout operation.

The payout control CPU 300a may vary the control level when starting the payout confirmation control according to the start condition of the payout confirmation control that has been established. For example, when the payout confirmation control is started when the non-detection condition is satisfied, the payout confirmation control is started from the control level "3", and when the original position return condition or the continuous payout condition is satisfied. When the payout confirmation control is started, the payout confirmation control may be started from the control level "0 (zero)".

- The number of stages of the control level in the payout confirmation control may be changed as appropriate.
- The contents of control at each control level may be changed as appropriate. For example, the notification mode of the payout error notification may be changed between the control level "3" and the control level "5". In this case, the payout control CPU 300a outputs a control command that can specify the current control level to the sub-control CPU 200a via the main control CPU 100a. Then, the sub-control CPU 200a may cause the payout error notification to be executed in different notification modes according to the control level based on the input control command.

- The payout error notification may be executed regardless of the control level in the payout confirmation control. In other words, the payout control CPU 300a may perform control so that the payout error notification is executed along with the start of the payout confirmation control.

- The number of executions of the original position return process in each control level may be changed as appropriate. For example, the number of executions of the original position return process may be the same at each control level, or may be decreased as the control level progresses.

- The time interval for executing the original position return process multiple times in each control level may be changed as appropriate. For example, the time interval when executing the original position return process multiple times may be the same at each control level, or may be shorter as the control level progresses.

- The conditions for progressing to each control level may be changed as appropriate. Further, the progress condition when progressing to each control level does not have to be a progress condition that becomes less likely to be satisfied as the control level progresses. It may be configured to be

- There may be multiple progress conditions when progressing to each control level. That is, the payout confirmation control may be configured such that the control level progresses when at least one of a plurality of progress conditions is satisfied.

- The termination condition of payout confirmation control may be changed as appropriate. For example, an end condition different from the detection condition, the power restoration condition, and the cancellation operation condition may be provided, or some of the detection condition, the power restoration condition, and the cancellation operation condition may not be provided. For example, the termination condition of the payout confirmation control may be only the detection condition.

- The end condition of payout confirmation control may be the same regardless of the current control level.
- The control of the payout control CPU 300a when either the power return condition or the cancellation operation condition is established may be changed. For example, when either the power return condition or the cancellation operation condition is established, the payout control CPU 300a may update the control level in the payout confirmation control to "0 (zero)". According to this, when either the power return condition or the cancellation operation condition is established, the payout error notification can be terminated, while the payout confirmation control is continued until the abnormality related to the payout of the game ball is resolved. can be made In this case, the power return condition and the cancellation operation condition can be grasped as an initialization condition for initializing the control level in the payout confirmation control, not as an end condition for ending the payout confirmation control.

· Pachinko game machine 10 may be configured to be able to notify the current control level in payout confirmation control. In this case, the payout control CPU 300a outputs a control command that can specify the current control level to the sub-control CPU 200a via the main control CPU 100a. Then, the sub-control CPU 200a preferably controls predetermined notification means to notify the current control level based on the input control command.

· The pachinko game machine 10 may be configured to be able to notify that the control level has progressed in the payout confirmation control. In this case, when the control level progresses, the payout control CPU 300a outputs a control command that can specify that the control level has progressed to the sub-control CPU 200a via the main control CPU 100a. Then, the sub-control CPU 200a preferably controls predetermined notification means to notify that the control level has progressed based on the input control command.

- The pachinko game machine 10 may be configured to be able to notify progress conditions when progressing from the current control level to the next control level in payout confirmation control. In this case, the payout control CPU 300a outputs to the sub-control CPU 200a via the main control CPU 100a a control command that can specify the progress conditions when progressing from the current control level to the next control level. Then, the sub-control CPU 200a preferably controls a predetermined notification means to notify progress conditions when progressing from the current control level to the next control level based on the input control command.

- The configuration of the payout operation section 41 of the payout unit 40 may be changed as appropriate. For example, the payout operation unit 41 may be configured to enable the payout operation of putting out game balls by changing its posture, or may be configured to enable the payout operation of putting out game balls by changing its position. Alternatively, the game ball may be put out by changing both the posture and the position.

- The payout sensor SE5 may be composed of a plurality of sensors. For example, a first sensor provided in the passage leading the game balls paid out from the payout unit 40 to the upper tray 14, and a first sensor provided in the passage leading the game balls paid out from the payout unit 40 to the lower tray 15. and a second sensor.

- The payout sensor SE5 may be configured to output a detection signal to the main control CPU 100a when a gaming ball is detected. In this case, the main control CPU 100a preferably generates a control command indicating that a detection signal has been input from the payout sensor SE5 and outputs it to the payout control CPU 300a.

The error release switch SW may be configured to output an operation signal to the main control CPU 100a when the error release switch SW is operated. In this case, the main control CPU 100a preferably generates a control command indicating that an operation signal has been input from the error release switch SW and outputs it to the payout control CPU 300a.

- Notification means for executing payout error notification may be changed as appropriate. For example, an informing means electrically connected to the payout control CPU 300a may be provided, and the payout error informing may be carried out by the informing means. In this case, the payout control CPU 300a does not need to generate a payout error command that can specify that a payout error has occurred. Further, the notification means for executing the payout error notification may be a dedicated notification means for executing the payout error notification, or may also be used as an execution means for executing a notification or effect different from the payout error notification. .

- You may provide control different from payout confirmation control as control which progresses a control level step by step. At this time, as the control to advance the control level step by step, for example, it is preferable to adopt the detection control related to the detection of the game ball performed by the main control CPU 100a. The detection control related to the detection of game balls is, for example, control for detecting game balls that have entered a predetermined winning hole. In this case, in the detection control, various processes may be executed based on the control level, for example, notification regarding the detection of the game ball may be executed based on the control level. In this case, the notification regarding the detection of the game ball may be, for example, a winning notification indicating that the game ball has entered the winning opening. Further, the notification regarding the detection of the game ball may be an illegal winning error notification indicating that the game ball has entered the winning opening controlled to be closed.

- It may be embodied in a gaming machine capable of executing original position return processing for returning an operation means different from the payout operation unit 41 to the original position. For example, the operating means may be a special variable member 25 in an open state in which a game ball can enter the big winning opening 24 and in which a game ball cannot enter the big winning opening 24 . In this case, the main control CPU 100a that operates the special variable member 25 by controlling the second actuator A2 corresponds to the control means, and the count sensor SE3 that detects the game ball entering the big winning hole 24 corresponds to the detection means. do. In the jackpot game, the main control CPU 100a starts the round game by controlling the special variable member 25 from the closed state to the open state, and then ends the round game by returning the special variable member 25 to the closed state again. . At this time, the main control CPU 100a controls the special variable member 25 to the closed state, triggered by the fact that the number of game balls entering the big winning hole 24 in the round game reaches the upper limit number. Therefore, in the control for giving one round game, the operation of the special variable member 25 changes according to the timing at which the game ball is detected by the count sensor SE3 in the round game. In addition, the main control CPU 100a closes the special variable member 25 when the upper limit time has elapsed since the round game was started when the number of game balls entering the big winning hole 24 in the round game does not reach the upper limit. to control the state. Therefore, in the control for giving one round game, the operation of the special variable member 25 changes depending on whether or not the game ball is detected by the count sensor SE3 in the round game.

- The special game may be displayed on the effect display device EH. In this case, the effect game may not be displayed.
The pachinko gaming machine 10 may be capable of executing, as special games, a first special symbol variation game for deriving a first special symbol and a second special symbol variation game for deriving a second special symbol. In this case, the first special symbol variation game is performed when the game ball enters the first start winning port 21, and the second special symbol variation occurs when the game ball enters the second start winning port 22. You should play games. The first special symbol variation game and the second special symbol variation game may be executed in order of reservation or alternately.

- The functions of the main control board 100 may be implemented by being divided into a plurality of boards.
- The function of the sub-control board 200 may be implemented by being divided into a plurality of boards. For example, the pachinko game machine 10 may include a display board that exclusively controls the effect display device EH, a sound board that exclusively controls the speaker SP, and a lamp board that exclusively controls the decoration lamp LA. It may further include a general board that controls the group of boards in a centralized manner.

- The function of the payout control CPU 300a may be realized by being divided into a plurality of boards.
- It may be embodied as a slot machine as a game machine. In a slot machine, a plurality of reels are rotated in accordance with the operation of a start lever (start operation). Further, in the slot machine, when the stop button is operated (stop operation), the reel corresponding to the operated stop button among the plurality of reels stops rotating. In such a slot machine, when a plurality of reels stop at a specific position, a payout condition for medals as game media is established. In such a slot machine, an original position return process may be executed as control for returning the action unit that operates when paying out medals to the original position. Payout confirmation control in which the control level advances step by step may be executed.

Technical ideas that can be grasped from the above embodiment and modifications will be described.
(b) The condition for starting the return-to-origin control is that the number of game media continuously paid out reaches a specific number, and after the specific number of game media have been paid out, no more game media are released. There is a continuous payout condition that is met when the payout continues.

(b) The payout control means executes predetermined payout control when a payout condition is met. There is a power-on payout condition that is met when the payout condition is first met.

(c) storage means for storing payout information capable of specifying the number of game media to be paid out, wherein the payout control means updates the payout information when a payout condition is satisfied, and based on the payout information; Predetermined payout control is executed, and the condition for starting the return-to-origin control is when the payout condition is established when the number of game media that can be specified from the payout information is 0. There is an initial payout condition that is met.

EH... Effect display device (informing means), LA... Decorative lamp (informing means), R1... Direction of rotation (specific direction of rotation), SE5... Payout sensor (payout detection means), SP... Speaker (informing means), 40... Payout unit (payout mechanism) 41 Payout action unit (operating unit) 44 Payout motor (driving means) 300 Payout control board 300a Payout control CPU (payout control means) 300c Payout control RAM (storage means).

Claims (1)

a payout mechanism for paying out game media;
payout detection means for detecting game media paid out by the payout mechanism;
a payout control means for controlling the payout mechanism,
The payout mechanism includes an action unit that operates when paying out game media, and pays out game media by moving the action unit to a payout position,
The payout control means can execute original position return control for returning the operating unit to the original position,
The original position return control includes a first process of paying out one game medium, and a second process of specifying the original position based on the timing at which the game medium paid out in the first process is detected by the payout detecting means. 2 processing, and a third processing of moving the operation unit of the dispensing mechanism to the original position specified in the second processing,
The original position return control is a control accompanied by a game medium payout, and the control changes the operation of the operation unit according to the timing at which the game medium is detected by the payout detection means during the original position return control. and
The original position return control is terminated when the action unit repeats a predetermined unit action amount for a predetermined number of times when a game medium is not detected in the first process, and
The specific number of times is the number of times that the operating portion moves to the same position as the position at the start of the home position return control, and the number of times that the operating portion rotates twice . game machine.

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