JP7496155B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines.

Conventionally, in pachinko and slot machines, which are types of gaming machines, gaming media are paid out when a predetermined payout condition is met. For example, in pachinko machines, gaming balls are paid out when they enter a specific ball entrance. In conventional gaming machines, gaming balls can be paid out by operating a predetermined operating part of a payout mechanism. For example, in the pachinko machine described in Patent Document 1, gaming balls can be paid out by operating a ball feed sprocket of a payout unit.

JP 2013-172849 A

In a gaming machine capable of paying out such gaming media, it is desirable to more appropriately control the payout of gaming media by devising a control method for the payout.
An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of appropriately controlling the payout of gaming media.

The gaming machine that solves the above problem is a gaming machine in which a game is played using a gaming ball as a gaming medium, and is equipped with a control means for performing a predetermined control, an operation means that can assume a first state in which the gaming ball can pass through a specific passage and a second state in which the gaming ball cannot pass through the specific passage, and a detection means for detecting a gaming ball that has passed through the specific passage, wherein the operation means is always controlled to the second state, the control means is capable of executing a specific control that controls the operation means to the first state and then returns it to the second state again, the specific control is capable of being executed a plurality of times, the operation mode of the operation means in the entire specific control differs between the first number of unit operations repeated until a gaming ball is detected in the specific control and the second number of operations, and the start conditions of the specific control include a first start condition that is established when the gaming machine is powered on and a second start condition that is established when a condition for dispensing a gaming ball is established.

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

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view showing a typical pachinko gaming machine. FIG. FIG. 4A to 4D are explanatory diagrams showing a schematic internal structure of the dispensing unit. 1A is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the excitation state of the dispensing motor and the dispensing operation unit, and FIG. 1B is an explanatory diagram showing the position of the dispensing operation unit. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko game machine. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the control flow regarding payout. An explanatory diagram showing the starting conditions for the withdrawal confirmation process. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a start condition of the original position return process. An explanatory diagram showing the termination conditions for the withdrawal confirmation process. An explanatory diagram showing the progress conditions and end conditions at each control level of the payout confirmation process. 13 is a flowchart showing a dispensing process. 13 is a flowchart showing a dispensing confirmation process. 13 is a flowchart showing an original position return process. 13A and 13B are explanatory diagrams showing the operation mode of the dispensing operation unit in the original position return process. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation mode of the dispensing operation unit in the original position return process. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation mode of the dispensing operation unit in the original position return process.

The following describes one embodiment of the invention as a pachinko gaming machine. In the following description, the directions up, down, left, right, front (front), and back (back) refer to the directions as seen from Shin-Kiyosu Station by a player playing the pachinko gaming 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 body of the pachinko gaming machine 10. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is installed in a gaming machine installation facility (so-called island facility) in an amusement parlor or the like via the outer frame 11. The pachinko gaming machine 10 has a middle frame 12 on the front side of the opening of the outer frame 11. The middle frame 12 is attached to the outer frame 11 so that it can be opened and closed freely. The pachinko gaming machine 10 has a front frame 13 on the front side of the middle frame 12. The front frame 13 is attached to the middle frame 12 so that it can be opened and closed freely.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a game board YB. The game board YB is attached to a middle frame 12. The game board YB has, on its front side, a game area YBa into which game balls, which serve as game media, flow. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a launch handle HD. The launch handle HD is operated when shooting game balls into the game area YBa.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a decorative lamp LA. The decorative lamp LA can perform various notifications and various effects by emitting light from its light-emitting body. In the following description, the effects by emitting light from the light-emitting body are referred to as "light-emitting effects". In this specification, "light emission" includes turning on, blinking, and turning off. In the following description, the light-emitting body of the decorative lamp LA emitting light may be simply referred to as "the decorative lamp LA emitting light". The decorative lamp LA is provided, for example, on the outer frame 11 or the game board YB. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a speaker SP. The speaker SP can perform various notifications and various effects by outputting sound. In the following description, the effects by outputting sound are referred to as "audio effects". In this specification, "audio" includes human or animal voices, sound effects, and music. The speaker SP is provided, for example, on the outer frame 11.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided with an upper tray 14 on the front side of the front frame 13, which stores gaming balls as a gaming medium. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided with a lower tray 15, which stores gaming balls that have overflowed from the upper tray 14.

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

The information display device 16 is equipped with a special symbol display unit 16a. The special symbol display unit 16a displays a special symbol change game that changes and displays a predetermined symbol, and finally displays a fixed and stopped special symbol. In the following description, the special symbol change game is abbreviated to "special game". The special symbol is a symbol for notifying the result of a jackpot lottery, which will be described later. The special symbols that can be derived in the special symbol display unit 16a include at least a jackpot symbol as a jackpot display result and a miss symbol as a miss display result. When a jackpot symbol is derived in the special game, the player can recognize the jackpot. When a miss symbol is derived in the special game, the player can recognize the miss. In the pachinko game machine 10 of this embodiment, when a jackpot lottery is won, a jackpot game is awarded after a jackpot symbol is derived in the special game and the special game of the jackpot is completed. As will be explained in more detail later, jackpot games are extremely advantageous for players because a certain winning slot opens and the player can win a large number of prize balls and other benefits.

The information display device 16 is equipped with a special hold display section 16b. The special hold display section 16b recognizably displays the number of special games whose execution is on hold because the start conditions have been met but the execution conditions have not yet been met. In the following explanation, the number of special games on hold is referred to as the "special hold number." For example, the maximum value of the special hold number is "4."

The information display device 16 is equipped with a normal pattern display section 16c. The normal pattern display section 16c variably displays a predetermined pattern and finally displays a normal pattern variation game that derives a normal pattern. The normal pattern is a pattern for notifying the result of a normal winning lottery, which will be described later. In the following description, the normal pattern variation game is abbreviated to "normal game". The normal patterns that can be derived in the normal pattern display section 16c include at least a normal winning pattern and a normal losing pattern. When a normal winning pattern is derived in the normal game, the player can recognize a normal winning. When a normal losing pattern is derived in the normal game, the player can recognize a normal losing. In this embodiment, when the normal winning lottery is won, after the normal winning pattern is derived in the normal game, the normal winning game is awarded after the normal winning pattern is derived in the normal game and the normal game of the normal winning is completed. As will be explained in more detail later, normal winning games are advantageous to players because they make it easier for them to achieve the conditions to start special games.

The information display device 16 is equipped with a regular pending display section 16d. The regular pending display section 16d recognizably displays the number of regular games whose execution is pending because the start conditions have been met but the execution conditions have not yet been met. In the following explanation, the number of pending regular games will be referred to as the "regular pending number." For example, the maximum value of the regular pending number is "4."

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with an effect display device EH. The effect display device EH has an image display section as a display area capable of displaying images, and is capable of executing various notifications and various effects by displaying images on the image display section. In the following explanation, effects produced by displaying images are referred to as "display effects." The image display section 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 pattern change game in which effect patterns are displayed in a varying manner in multiple rows, and ultimately a combination of effect patterns is derived. In the effect pattern change game, display effects such as reach effects and preview effects may be performed. In the following explanation, the effect pattern change game is abbreviated to "effect game."

The pachinko game machine 10 has a first start winning opening 21 that opens into the game area YBa. The first start winning opening 21 is always open so that game balls can enter the winning opening. In the following description, the entry of a game ball into the winning opening may be referred to as "winning". The pachinko game machine 10 has a first start sensor SE1 that detects a game ball that has entered the first start winning opening 21 (shown in FIG. 6). In this embodiment, when a game ball is detected by the first start sensor SE1, the reservation conditions for the special game may be established, and the payout conditions for a predetermined number of game balls as prize balls are also established.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a second start winning port 22 that opens into the gaming area YBa. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a second start sensor SE2 that detects a gaming ball that has entered the second start winning port 22 (shown in FIG. 6). In this embodiment, when a gaming ball is detected by the second start sensor SE2, the reservation conditions for the special game may be established, and the payout conditions for a predetermined number of gaming balls as prize balls are also established.

The pachinko game machine 10 is equipped with a normal variable member 23 that can assume a closed state in which the game ball cannot enter the second start winning opening 22, and an open state in which the game ball can enter the second start winning opening 22. The closed state may be a state in which the game ball can enter the second start winning opening 22, but in which it is more difficult to enter than in the open state. The pachinko game machine 10 is equipped with a first actuator A1 that operates the normal variable member 23 (shown in FIG. 6). The normal variable member 23 is operated to the open state during normal winning play. For this reason, it becomes easier to establish the reservation conditions for the special game during normal winning play.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 has a large prize opening 24 that opens into the gaming area YBa. The pachinko gaming machine 10 has a count sensor SE3 that detects a gaming ball that enters the large prize opening 24. In this embodiment, when a gaming ball is detected by the count sensor SE3, a payout condition for a predetermined number of gaming balls as prize balls is met.

The pachinko game machine 10 is equipped with a special variable member 25 that can assume a closed state in which the game ball cannot enter the large prize opening 24, and an open state in which the game ball can enter the large prize opening 24. The closed state may be a state in which the game ball can enter the large prize opening 24, but in which it is more difficult to enter than in the open state. The pachinko game machine 10 is equipped with a second actuator A2 that operates the special variable member 25 (shown in FIG. 6). The special variable member 25 is operated to the open state during a predetermined winning game (a big win game in this embodiment).

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided with a gate 26 in the gaming area YBa through which a gaming ball can pass (enter). The gate 26 is provided with a gate sensor SE4 that detects a gaming ball passing through the gate 26. In this embodiment, when a gaming ball is detected by the gate sensor SE4, a reserve condition for the normal game may be established.

Next, the configuration of the back side of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be explained using Figure 3. Note that for ease of explanation, some game components such as the game board YB and the performance display device EH are omitted in Figure 3.

As shown in FIG. 3, the pachinko gaming machine 10 has a storage section 30 that stores game balls at the upper back side of the middle frame 12. The pachinko gaming machine 10 has an alignment section 31 that aligns the game balls stored in the storage section 30 in a line at the upper back side of the middle frame 12. The pachinko gaming machine 10 has a guide section 32 that guides the game balls aligned by the alignment section 31 downward at the back side of the middle frame 12. The pachinko gaming machine 10 has a payout unit 40 that performs a payout operation to pay out the game balls guided by the guide section 32 to the upper tray 14 or the lower tray 15.

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

The payout unit 40 has a ball passage 40a inside as a specific passage through which game balls can pass. The ball passage 40a is a passage that extends in the vertical direction overall, and is formed with a width that does not allow two or more game balls to be lined up at the same time in the left-right and front-back directions. Therefore, the game balls are aligned in a single row in the ball passage 40a. In this embodiment, the traveling direction D1 of the game balls in the ball passage 40a is vertical.

The payout operation unit 41 has a cylindrical shaft portion 42 extending along the ball passage 40a and a protruding portion 43 protruding from the shaft portion 42 into the ball passage 40a. Therefore, the game ball may be held in contact with the protruding portion 43 in the ball passage 40a. As described above, the game balls are aligned in a row in the ball passage 40a, so that the leading game ball among the aligned game balls is held in contact with the protruding portion 43, and the following game balls are held in contact with the leading game ball. The protruding portion 43 in this embodiment is a spiral portion that extends vertically downward so as to draw a right-handed (clockwise) spiral when the pachinko game machine 10 is viewed in a plane. In the following description, the end of the protrusion 43 on the opposite side to the direction of travel D1 of the game ball (upper side of the pachinko game machine 10) is referred to as the upper end 43a, and the end on the side of the direction of travel D1 of the game ball (lower side of the pachinko game machine 10) is referred to as the lower end 43b. The protrusion 43 is a spiral with a length that goes around the shaft 42 once, and its vertical length (spiral pitch) is the same or approximately the same as the diameter of one game ball.

The payout operation unit 41 is configured to rotate in a predetermined rotation direction R1 around a rotation axis extending along the traveling direction D1 of the game ball, so that the position of the protruding portion 43 protruding into the ball passage 40a (hereinafter referred to as the protruding position P1) is displaced toward the traveling direction D1 of the game ball. In this embodiment, the rotation direction R1 is a left-handed (counterclockwise) direction when the pachinko game machine 10 is viewed in a plan view. Specifically, the payout operation unit 41 contacts the leading game ball in the ball passage 40a with the upper end portion 43a of the protruding portion 43 protruding into the ball passage 40a (FIG. 4(a)). In addition, the payout operation unit 41 is configured to displace the protruding position P1 of the protruding portion 43 toward the traveling direction D1 as it rotates in the rotation direction R1 (FIGS. 4(b) and (c)). For this reason, in the payout unit 40, the game ball in contact with the protruding portion 43 of the payout operation unit 41 also moves toward the traveling direction D1. The payout operation unit 41 is configured such that, by rotating in the rotation direction R1 from a state in which the lower end 43b of the protrusion 43 protrudes into the ball passage 40a, the lower end 43b no longer protrudes into the ball passage 40a, while the upper end 43a protrudes into the ball passage 40a (FIG. 4(d)). Therefore, in the payout unit 40, when the payout operation unit 41 is further rotated in the rotation direction R1 from a state in which the lower end 43b of the protrusion 43 of the payout operation unit 41 is in contact with the game ball, the game ball that was in contact with the lower end 43b is paid out, while the next game ball is held in contact with the upper end 43a.

The payout operation section 41 of this embodiment is configured to pay out the game ball that was in contact with the upper end 43a of the protrusion 43 by rotating once in the rotation direction R1 from a state in which the upper end 43a of the protrusion 43 is in contact with the game ball. That is, the payout unit 40 of this embodiment is configured to pay out the first game ball among the game balls lined up in a row in the ball passage 40a by rotating the payout operation section 41 once in the rotation direction R1, while holding the game ball next to the first game ball. In other words, in this embodiment, the payout unit 40 is configured to pay out one game ball but not pay out two or more game balls when the payout operation section 41 rotates once in the rotation direction R1.

The dispensing unit 40 also has a dispensing motor 44 that operates the dispensing operation section 41 (shown in FIG. 6). In this embodiment, the dispensing motor 44 corresponds to a driving means that operates the operation section.

Here, the relationship between the operation of the dispensing operation unit 41 and the dispensing motor 44 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5A, the dispensing motor 44 is a stepping motor that has a plurality of windings (coils) and is configured to generate magnetic force by switching the windings that are energized (current flows through them). In the following description, the state in which magnetic force is generated by energizing the windings is referred to as the "excitation state". The dispensing motor 44 of this embodiment has a total of four phases of windings, including the first winding to the fourth winding. In the following description, the state in which the first winding and the second winding among the plurality of windings are energized is referred to as the "first second excitation state". Similarly, the state in which the second winding and the third winding among the plurality of windings are energized is referred to as the "second third excitation state", the state in which the third winding and the fourth winding are energized is referred to as the "third fourth excitation state", and the state in which the first winding and the fourth winding are energized is referred to as the "fourth first excitation state". In the figure, "ON" indicates a state in which current is flowing through the windings, and "OFF" indicates a state in which current is not flowing through the windings. That is, a state in which the first and second windings are "ON" corresponds to the first second excitation state. Similarly, a state in which the second and third windings are "ON" corresponds to the second third excitation state, a state in which the third and fourth windings are "ON" corresponds to the third fourth excitation state, and a state in which the first and fourth windings are "ON" corresponds to the fourth first excitation state.

The dispensing operation unit 41 is always located at a predetermined original position. When the dispensing operation unit 41 is located at the original position, the excitation state of the dispensing motor 44 is the first and second excitation states. The dispensing operation unit 41 rotates in the rotation direction R1 by a predetermined amount of operation (amount of rotation) each time the excitation state of the dispensing motor 44 is switched in the order of the first and second excitation states → the second and third excitation states → the third and fourth excitation states → the fourth and first excitation states → the first and second excitation states → ... At this time, the amount of operation of the dispensing operation unit 41 is the same when it is switched from the first and second excitation states to the second and third excitation states, when it is switched from the second and third excitation states to the third and fourth excitation states, when it is switched from the third and fourth excitation states to the fourth and first excitation states, and when it is switched from the fourth and first excitation states to the first and second excitation states. In this embodiment, the dispensing motor 44 is always switched between excitation states in the following order: 1st excitation state → 2nd excitation state → 3rd excitation state → 4th excitation state → 1st excitation state → ... That is, in this embodiment, the dispensing operation unit 41 is configured not to rotate in the direction opposite to the rotation direction R1.

In the following description, the predetermined amount of operation of the dispensing operation unit 41 when the excitation state of the dispensing motor 44 is switched only once is indicated as "1 step", and the operation of the dispensing operation unit 41 in the rotation direction R1 by N steps (N is a positive integer) is indicated as "operating N steps". In addition, in the following description, the original position of the dispensing operation unit 41 is indicated as the "0 step position". Furthermore, in the following description, the position when the dispensing operation unit 41 is rotated by N steps in the rotation direction R1 from the original position is indicated as the "N step position". For example, the position when the dispensing operation unit 41 is operated 4 steps from the original position is the "4 step position". In this embodiment, the dispensing operation unit 41 is configured to rotate once and return to the original position when it operates 20 steps from the original position. That is, in this embodiment, the 20 step position is the original position (0 step position).

In this embodiment, with the above configuration, the position of the dispensing operation unit 41 in the first and second excitation states is any one of the 0 step position, 4 step position, 8 step position, 12 step position, and 16 step position. Similarly, the position of the dispensing operation unit 41 in the second and third excitation states is any one of the 1, 5, 9, 13, and 17 step positions, the position of the dispensing operation unit 41 in the third and fourth excitation states is any one of the 2, 6, 10, 14, and 18 step positions, and the position of the dispensing operation unit 41 in the fourth and first excitation states is any one of the 3, 7, 11, 15, and 19 step positions.

As shown in FIG. 5(b), the payout operation unit 41 of this embodiment is configured such that, when it rotates once in the rotation direction R1 from the original position (0 step position), the lower end portion 43b does not protrude into the ball passage 40a when it reaches any of the step positions 3 to 6, thereby paying out the leading game ball, and then returns to the original position. That is, the payout position for paying out the game ball is any of the step positions 3 to 6. In this embodiment, the payout unit 40 is configured to pay out one game ball by operating the payout operation unit 41 to the step position 3 to 6. Note that which step position among the step positions 3 to 6 becomes the payout position may differ depending on the individual difference of the payout operation unit 41. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the payout operation unit 41 is configured such that when it is in the step positions 0 to 2 and when it is in the step positions 7 to 19, the protruding portion 43 does not contact the leading game ball, thereby not paying out the leading game ball. That is, in this embodiment, the 0 to 2 step positions and the 7 to 19 step positions correspond to non-payout positions where no game balls are paid out. In this embodiment, the state of the payout operation unit 41 when it is located in the payout position corresponds to a first state where the game ball can pass through the ball passage 40a, and the state of the payout operation unit 41 when it is located in the non-payout position corresponds to a second state where the game ball cannot pass through the ball passage 40a. That is, in this embodiment, the payout operation unit 41 corresponds to an operating means that can take the first state where the game ball can pass through the ball passage 40a and the second state where the game ball cannot pass through the ball passage 40a.

As described above, when the dispensing operation unit 41 rotates in the rotation direction R1 from the original position (0 step position), it is configured to operate in the following order: original position → non-dispensing position different from the original position → dispensing position → non-dispensing position different from the original position → original position. Also, in this embodiment, when the dispensing operation unit 41 rotates in the rotation direction R1, regardless of whether the dispensing position is any of the 3 to 6 step positions, the amount of operation when moving from the original position to the dispensing position is smaller than the amount of operation when rotating from the dispensing position to the original position.

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

Next, a big win in the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described.
The pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment is provided with a plurality of types of jackpot symbols as special jackpot symbols. A type of jackpot game is determined for each of the plurality of types of jackpot symbols.

In a jackpot game, an opening performance is performed to notify the start of the jackpot game, followed by a round game in which the jackpot winning hole 24 is opened. The round game is performed up to a predetermined maximum number of times. In one round game, the jackpot winning hole 24 is opened until either a first condition is met in which a predetermined maximum number of game balls win, or a second condition is met in which a predetermined maximum time has elapsed. In a round game, a predetermined performance is performed. Then, in a jackpot game, when the final round game is completed, an ending performance is performed to notify the end of the jackpot game. The jackpot game ends with the end of the ending performance.

Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 6, the pachinko game machine 10 includes a main control board 100 on the back (rear) of the game board YB. The main control board 100 performs a predetermined process and outputs information (control command) according to the result of the process. The pachinko game machine 10 includes a sub-control board 200 on the back (rear) of the game board YB. The sub-control board 200 and the main control board 100 are connected so that a control command can be output from the main control board 100 to the sub-control board 200 in one direction. The sub-control board 200 executes a predetermined process based on the control command input from the main control board 100. The pachinko game machine 10 includes a payout control board 300 on the back (rear) of the game board YB. The payout control board 300 and the main control board 100 are connected so that a control command can be output in both directions. The payout control board 300 controls the payout unit 40 based on a control command (hereinafter referred to as a payout designation command) input from the main control board 100 that instructs the payout of game balls, and pays out the 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 executes a main control program to perform a predetermined process. The main control ROM 100b stores the main control program, a judgment value used in a predetermined lottery, and the like. The main control RAM 100c stores various information that is rewritten during the operation of the pachinko game machine 10. For example, the information stored in the main control RAM 100c includes a flag, a counter, and a timer. The main control board 100 also includes a random number generating circuit (not shown) and is configured to be capable of generating hardware random numbers. The main control board 100 may also be capable of generating software random numbers through a random number generating process by the main control CPU 100a.

The main control CPU 100a is connected to the first start sensor SE1, the second start sensor SE2, the count sensor SE3, and the gate sensor SE4. The main control CPU 100a is configured to be able to input detection signals that are output when each sensor detects a game ball. The main control CPU 100a is connected to the information display device 16. The main control CPU 100a is configured to be able to control the display contents of the information display device 16. The main control CPU 100a is connected to the first actuator A1. 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 is connected to the second actuator A2. 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. The sub-control CPU 200a executes a sub-control program to perform a process related to a performance as a predetermined process. The sub-control ROM 200b stores the sub-control program and a judgment value used for a predetermined lottery. The sub-control ROM 200b stores display performance data used for display performance, light-emitting performance data used for light-emitting performance, sound performance data used for sound performance, and movable body performance data used for movable body performance. The sub-control RAM 200c stores various information that is rewritten during the operation of the pachinko game machine 10. For example, the information stored in the sub-control RAM 200c includes a flag, a counter, and a timer. The sub-control board 200 is configured to be capable of generating software random numbers by a random number generation process by the sub-control CPU 200a. The sub-control board 200 may be equipped with a random number generation circuit and be capable of generating hardware random numbers.

The sub-control CPU 200a and the performance display device EH are connected. The sub-control CPU 200a is configured to be able to control the display contents of the performance display device EH. The sub-control CPU 200a and the decorative lamp LA are connected. The sub-control CPU 200a is configured to be able to control the light emission mode of the decorative 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 sound output mode by the speaker SP.

Next, the dispensing 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 processes such as paying out game balls. The payout control ROM 300b stores the payout control program and the like. The payout control RAM 300c stores various information that is rewritten during operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10. 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 300a 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 that is output when the payout sensor SE5 detects a gaming ball. That is, in this embodiment, the payout control CPU 300a corresponds to a control means that controls the payout of gaming balls, and corresponds to a payout control means that controls the payout unit 40.

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

Next, the processing performed by the main control CPU 100a will be described.
The main control CPU 100a obtains a random number when the first start sensor SE1 detects a game ball that has entered the first start winning hole 21, and uses the random number to draw a jackpot. The main control CPU 100a also draws a jackpot when the second start sensor SE2 detects a game ball that has entered the second start winning hole 22. The main control CPU 100a controls the special symbol display unit 16a based on the result of the jackpot lottery to execute a special game. If the jackpot lottery is won, the main control CPU 100a causes a jackpot symbol to be derived in the special game, whereas if the jackpot lottery is not won, the main control CPU 100a causes a losing symbol to be derived in the special game. If the jackpot lottery is won, the main control CPU 100a determines the jackpot symbol to be derived in the special game by drawing a random number. In addition, the main control CPU 100 a generates a control command capable of specifying a special symbol to be derived in a special game and a control command capable of specifying a variable time of the special game, and outputs the control command to the sub-control board 200 .

When the jackpot lottery is won, the main control CPU 100a performs control to derive a jackpot symbol in a special game and then award a jackpot game. Specifically, the main control CPU 100a controls the second actuator A2 so that the jackpot opening 24 is opened for a predetermined time period as the upper limit time during round play. Then, the main control CPU 100a ends the jackpot game when a predetermined number of rounds have been played. The main control CPU 100a also generates control commands to instruct the execution of an opening performance and an ending performance, and outputs these to the sub-control board 200.

In addition, when the payout condition for the game balls is satisfied, the main control CPU 100a generates a payout designation command instructing the payout of a predetermined number of game balls, and outputs it to the payout control board 300. In this embodiment, when a game ball enters a winning hole that is the target of the payout of prize balls, the main control CPU 100a generates a payout designation command instructing the payout of a number of game balls corresponding to that winning hole, and outputs it 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 the payout of "3 balls" and outputs it to the payout control board 300. In addition, when the payout condition for a predetermined number of game balls is met, the main control CPU 100a may generate a payout designation command that instructs the payout of a predetermined number of game balls and output it to the payout control board 300, or may generate a predetermined number of payout designation commands that instruct the payout of one game ball and output them to the payout control board 300.

In addition to the above-mentioned controls, the main control CPU 100a also performs various other controls, such as control for conducting a normal winning lottery and control for awarding a normal winning game.
Next, the processing performed by the sub-control CPU 200a will be described.

When the sub-control CPU 200a receives a control command from the main control CPU 100a, it controls the performance display device EH, decorative lamp LA, and speaker SP based on the control command. For example, when the sub-control CPU 200a receives a control command capable of identifying a special symbol to be derived in a special game or a control command capable of identifying the variable time of a special game, it controls the performance display device EH, decorative lamp LA, and speaker SP to execute a performance game. At this time, the sub-control CPU 200a determines the performance content of the performance game based on the input control command, and controls the performance game to be executed with the determined performance content. In addition, when the sub-control CPU 200a receives a control command instructing the execution of an opening performance or an ending performance, it controls the performance display device EH, decorative lamp LA, and speaker SP to execute a performance according to the input control command.

In addition to the above-mentioned controls, the sub-control CPU 200a also performs various other controls, such as control to execute a specified presentation and control to execute a specified notification.
Next, an overview 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 a control that pays out game balls when a payout condition is met. Payout confirmation control is a control that checks whether the payout of game balls is being performed normally.

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 met. In the payout confirmation control, the payout control CPU 300a advances the control level when a predetermined progress condition is met. That is, the payout confirmation control is a control in which the control level advances stepwise. In the payout confirmation control, for example, an original position return process is executed as an original position return control that returns the payout operation part 41 of the payout unit 40 to the original position. Note that, as will be described in detail later, in the original position return process, one game ball is paid out. That is, in this embodiment, the original position return process corresponds to a specific payout control accompanied by the payout of a game ball. In addition, in the payout confirmation control, a payout error notification that can identify the occurrence of a payout error that cannot pay out a game ball normally is executed. In this embodiment, the payout confirmation control corresponds to a specific error control. Details of the original position return process and the payout error notification will be described later. Then, when a predetermined termination condition is met, the payout control CPU 300a ends the payout confirmation control and returns to normal payout control.

In the payout confirmation control of this 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 process is executed. At this time, the original position return process is executed at different time intervals depending on the control level and for different times depending on the control level. In this embodiment, the more the control level progresses, the more times the original position return process is executed. Also, in this embodiment, the more the control level progresses, the longer the time interval at which the original position return process is executed. For example, in the case of control level "0 (zero)", the original position return process is executed once 0.2 seconds after the control level becomes "0 (zero)". Also, in the case of control level "1", the original position return process is executed twice at 2 second intervals, in the case of control level "2", it is executed three times at 5 second intervals, in the case of control level "3", it is executed four times at 10 second intervals, and in the case of control level "4", it is executed 27 times at 20 second intervals. In the following explanation, the time from when the control level becomes "0 (zero)" until the original position return process is executed, and the time from when one original position return process is executed at control level "1" to control level "4" until the next original position return process is executed, are referred to as "confirmation wait time".

In addition, in this embodiment, when the control level in the payout confirmation control is from control level "3" to control level "5", the performance display device EH, the decorative lamp LA, and the speaker SP execute a payout error notification that can identify that a payout error has occurred. That is, in this embodiment, the performance display device EH, the decorative lamp LA, and the speaker SP can execute a payout error notification based on the control level. In this embodiment, the performance display device EH, the decorative lamp LA, and the speaker SP execute a payout error notification on the condition that the control level has progressed to "3". On the other hand, in this embodiment, the performance display device EH, the decorative lamp LA, and the speaker SP do not execute a payout error notification when the control level is from "0 (zero)" to control level "2". In other words, in this embodiment, there are multiple control levels in the control level of the payout confirmation control that do not execute a payout error notification. In this way, in this embodiment, it can be said that the mode of the payout error notification changes depending on the progression of the control level in the performance display device EH, the decorative lamp LA, and the speaker SP.

As will be described in more detail later, the payout control CPU 300a outputs a payout error command to the main control CPU 100a, which can identify that a payout error has occurred, and the main control CPU 100a, which has input the payout error command, outputs a payout error notification command to the sub-control CPU 200a, which instructs the start of a payout error notification, thereby executing a payout error notification. In this embodiment, the performance display device EH, decorative lamp LA, and speaker SP correspond to the notification means.

In this embodiment, the performance display device EH, decorative lamp LA, and speaker SP execute a 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 control level "3" to control level "5". Therefore, in this embodiment, not only is the current control level not notified, but the current control level cannot be identified from the notification mode of the payout error notification. Also, in this embodiment, the performance display device EH, decorative lamp LA, and speaker SP do not notify the progress condition at the current control level. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the performance display device EH, decorative lamp LA, and speaker SP do not notify that the control level has progressed, even if the progress condition is met and the control level has progressed.

In addition, in the payout confirmation control, if the control level is "5", the payout operation is stopped. That is, in this embodiment, if the control level in the payout confirmation control reaches "5", the payout of game balls is no longer performed.

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

The start condition for the payout confirmation control is a continuous payout condition that is met when the number of game balls paid out in succession reaches a specific number (100 in this embodiment) and payout of game balls continues thereafter. In this embodiment, "continuously paid out" means that in the payout process described below, the remaining payout number, which indicates the number of game balls remaining to be paid out from the payout unit 40, is continuously paid out without becoming "0 (zero)."

The start conditions for the payout confirmation control include an original position return condition that is met when the original position return process is executed and then the detection waiting time has elapsed without detecting the payout of a game ball. In other words, the original position return condition is met when the original position return process is executed and a game ball is not detected by the payout sensor SE5. In other words, the payout confirmation control may be executed after the original position return process is completed if the payout of a game ball is not detected in the original position return process.

As shown in FIG. 9, the start conditions for the return to original position process include a power-on payout condition that is met when the first game ball is paid out after the power is turned on to the pachinko gaming machine 10. In other words, the power-on payout condition is a condition that is met when the payout condition for a game ball is met for the first time after the power is turned on to the pachinko gaming machine 10. In addition, the start conditions for the return to original position process include a first payout condition that is met when the payout of a new game ball is started after the payout of game balls has been stopped. In other words, the first payout condition is a condition that is met when the payout condition is met when the remaining payout number, which indicates the number of game balls remaining to be paid out from the payout unit 40, is "0 (zero)."

As described above, in the dispensing confirmation control of this embodiment, the original position return process is executed. Therefore, the start condition of the dispensing confirmation control can also be understood as the start condition of the original position return process.

The termination conditions for the dispensing confirmation control will be described.
As shown in FIG. 10, in this embodiment, there are a plurality of termination conditions for the payout confirmation control. The termination conditions for the payout confirmation control include a detection condition that is satisfied when the payout of a game ball is detected in the original position return process executed during the payout confirmation control. In other words, the payout confirmation control is terminated when the payout sensor SE5 detects a game ball in the original position return process. The termination conditions for the payout confirmation control also include a power interruption recovery condition that is satisfied when the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 10 is cut off (power interruption) and then the power supply is resumed (power restoration). The termination conditions for the payout confirmation control also include a release operation condition that is satisfied when the error release switch SW is operated. The detection condition among the termination conditions is a condition that is satisfied by the payout confirmation control. In particular, the detection condition is satisfied when the payout sensor SE5 detects a game ball in the original position return process executed during the payout confirmation control. On the other hand, the power interruption recovery condition and the release operation condition among the termination conditions are conditions that are satisfied by a control different from the payout confirmation control.

The progress conditions and end conditions at each control level of the payout confirmation control will be explained.
As shown in Fig. 11, in this embodiment, the progress condition is met when the original position return process is executed a number of times determined for each control level at a time interval determined for each control level, and no game ball is detected by the payout sensor SE5. That is, in this embodiment, the progress condition includes that the original position return process 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 at each control level 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.

Also, as described above, in this embodiment, the more the control level progresses, the more times the return to original position process is executed, and the longer the time interval between executions of the return to original position process. For this reason, in this embodiment, it can be said that the more the control level progresses, the more difficult it is to satisfy the progression conditions. In other words, the more the current control level progresses, the more difficult it is to satisfy the progression conditions when progressing from the current control level to the next control level.

In this embodiment, the termination conditions are determined for each control level. Specifically, in this embodiment, when the control level is between "0 (zero)" and "2", the dispensing confirmation control is terminated when at least one of the detection conditions and the power interruption recovery conditions is met. When the control level is "3" and "4", the dispensing confirmation control is terminated when at least one of the detection conditions, the power interruption recovery conditions, and the release operation conditions is met. When the control level is "5", the dispensing confirmation control is terminated when at least one of the power interruption recovery conditions and the release operation conditions is met.

In other words, in this embodiment, the detection condition among the termination conditions of the dispensing confirmation control is the termination condition when the control level is from "0 (zero)" to "4". Also, the power interruption recovery condition among the termination conditions of the dispensing confirmation control is the termination condition for all control levels. And, the release operation condition among the termination conditions of the dispensing confirmation control is the termination condition when the control level is from "3" to "5".

Below, the specific processing performed by the payout control CPU 300a will be described.
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 judges whether the remaining payout number, which indicates the number of remaining game balls to be paid out from the payout unit 40, is greater than 0 (step S101). The remaining payout number is stored in a predetermined storage area of the payout control RAM 300c, and when a payout designation command is input from the main control CPU 100a, it is updated based on the payout designation command. That is, the payout control CPU 300a updates the remaining payout number when the payout condition is met. In this embodiment, the remaining payout number corresponds to payout information that can specify the number of game balls to be paid out, and the payout control RAM 300c corresponds to a storage means that stores payout information that can specify the number of game balls to be paid out. In addition, the remaining payout number may be updated when a ball lending switch (not shown) is operated. If the remaining payout number is 0 (step S101: NO), the payout control CPU 300a ends the payout process.

If 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 perform a payout operation based on the remaining number of payouts. 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 controlling the payout unit 40 to pay out one game ball. That is, the payout operation in this embodiment is performed in the payout unit 40 in an operation mode in which the payout operation unit 41 rotates once in the rotation direction R1 from the original position (0 step position) and operates to the original position again. Thereafter, the payout control CPU 300a starts updating the detection waiting time timer of the payout control RAM 300c, thereby starting to measure the predetermined detection waiting time (step S103).

After that, the payout control CPU 300a judges whether 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 a positive judgment when it inputs a detection signal output when the payout sensor SE5 detects a game ball, and makes a negative judgment when it does not input a detection signal. If the game ball paid out from the payout unit 40 is not detected by the payout sensor SE5 (step S104: NO), the payout control CPU 300a judges whether the detection waiting time has elapsed (step S105). If the detection waiting time has not elapsed (step S105: NO), the payout control CPU 300a returns to the processing of step S104. On the other hand, if the detection waiting time has elapsed (step S105: YES), the payout control CPU 300a executes a payout confirmation process to execute the payout confirmation control (step S106). That is, in this embodiment, when the payout control CPU 300a judges step S105 as positive, the non-detection condition among the start conditions of the payout confirmation control is satisfied, and the payout confirmation process is executed. The payout confirmation process will be described in detail later. In this embodiment, the payout control CPU 300a executes the processes of steps S103 to S105 each time it executes one payout operation (step S102). That is, in this embodiment, the payout control CPU 300a judges whether the non-detection condition is satisfied each time one payout operation is performed, even when multiple game balls are paid out in succession.

On the other hand, if the payout sensor SE5 detects a game ball paid out from the payout unit 40 (step S104: YES), the payout control CPU 300a subtracts 1 from the remaining payout number (step S107). That is, if the payout control CPU 300a detects the payout of a game ball before the detection waiting time has elapsed since executing the payout operation of step S102, it subtracts 1 from the remaining payout number. Next, the payout control CPU 300a adds 1 to the continuous payout number, which indicates the number of game balls paid out consecutively in a series of payout processes (step S108). The continuous payout number is stored in a specified memory area of the payout control RAM 300c. After that, the payout control CPU 300a stops updating the detection waiting time timer of the payout control RAM 300c, erases the timer value, and ends the measurement of the detection waiting time (step S109).

When the processing of step S106 is completed, and when the processing of step S109 is completed, the payout control CPU 300a judges whether the remaining payout number is greater than 0 (step S110). If the remaining payout number is greater than 0 (step S110: YES), the payout control CPU 300a judges whether the continuous payout number is 100 (step S111). If the continuous payout number is 100 (step S111: YES), the payout control CPU 300a erases the continuous payout number (step S112). After that, the payout control CPU 300a executes the payout confirmation process (step S113). That is, in this embodiment, when the payout control CPU 300a judges step S111 as positive, the continuous payout condition among the start conditions of the payout confirmation control is established, and the payout confirmation process is executed. As described above, in this embodiment, if step S111 is judged to be positive, the payout control CPU 300a erases the number of consecutive payouts, and then counts the number of consecutive payouts again each time a payout operation is performed. Therefore, in this embodiment, the consecutive payout condition is met every time the number of game balls paid out in succession reaches 100.

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

Next, the payout confirmation process will be described. The payout confirmation process is a process that is executed when the start condition of the payout confirmation control is 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 below.

As shown in FIG. 13, in the payout confirmation process, the payout control CPU 300a sets the control level stored in a predetermined memory area of the payout control RAM 300c to "0 (zero)" (step S201). After that, the payout control CPU 300a starts measuring a predetermined confirmation waiting time by starting to update the confirmation waiting time timer of the payout control RAM 300c (step S202). As described above, in this embodiment, the confirmation waiting time differs depending on the current control level. Next, the payout control CPU 300a determines whether the confirmation waiting time has elapsed (step S203). If the confirmation waiting time has not elapsed (step S203: NO), the payout control CPU 300a waits until the confirmation waiting time has elapsed. If the confirmation waiting time has elapsed (step S203: YES), the payout control CPU 300a executes the original position return process (step S204). As will be described in more detail later, if the payout control CPU 300a does not detect the payout of a game ball during the original position return process, it stores an original position return process abnormality flag, indicating that the original position return process has not ended normally, in a specified storage area of the payout control RAM 300c. On the other hand, if the payout of a game ball is detected during the original position return process, the payout control CPU 300a does not store an original position return process abnormality flag.

When the original position return process is completed, the payout control CPU 300a determines whether or not an original position return process abnormality flag is stored in a predetermined storage area of the payout control RAM 300c (step S205). If the original position return process 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 continuous payout number (step S207). Then, the payout control CPU 300a erases the control level (step S208). After that, the payout control CPU 300a ends the payout confirmation process and returns to the payout process. Thus, in this embodiment, if the payout of a 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 this embodiment, the payout of a game ball is detected in the original position return process executed in the payout confirmation process, and the detection condition among the termination conditions of the payout confirmation control is satisfied.

On the other hand, if the original position return processing abnormality flag is stored (step S205: YES), the payout control CPU 300a judges whether the progress condition is met (step S209). As described above, in this embodiment, the progress condition differs depending on the current control level. Specifically, in step S209, the payout control CPU 300a judges whether the original position return processing has been completed a number of times determined according to the current control level. If the original position return processing has been completed a number of times determined according to the current control level, the payout control CPU 300a judges step S209 as positive, whereas if the original position return processing has not been completed a number of times determined according to the current control level, the payout control CPU 300a judges step S209 as negative.

If the progress condition is not met (step S209: NO), the payout control CPU 300a returns to the processing of step S202. On the other hand, if the progress condition is met (step S209: YES), the payout control CPU 300a adds 1 to the control level (step S210). Then, the payout control CPU 300a determines whether the control level is "3" (step S211). If 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 the 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 performance display device EH, the decorative lamp LA, and the speaker SP to start the payout error notification. The payout control CPU 300a then returns to processing in step S202.

On the other hand, if the control level is not "3" (step S211: NO), the payout control CPU 300a judges whether the control level is "5" or not (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 termination condition of the payout confirmation control is satisfied, and ends the payout confirmation process by terminating the payout confirmation control in accordance with the satisfaction of the termination condition of the payout confirmation control. As described above, the termination condition of the payout confirmation control includes a power interruption return condition or a release operation condition in addition to the detection condition that is satisfied when the payout of the game ball is detected in the original position return process executed in the payout confirmation process. That is, in this embodiment, the payout confirmation process also ends when an operation signal is input indicating that the error release switch SW has been operated when the current control level is any of control levels "3" to "5," and when the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 10 is cut off (power interrupted) and then resumed (power restored).

Next, the original position return process will be described in detail.
As shown in FIG. 14, when the start condition of the original position return process is satisfied, the dispensing control CPU 300a first controls the dispensing motor 44 to the first and second excitation states (step S301). Next, the dispensing control CPU 300a switches the excitation state of the dispensing motor 44 to operate the dispensing operation unit 41 in two steps (step S302). That is, the dispensing control CPU 300a rotates the dispensing operation unit 41 by two steps from the current position in the rotation direction R1. For this reason, for example, when the current position of the dispensing operation unit 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 this embodiment, the operation amount when the dispensing operation unit 41 operates by the 2 step operation corresponds to a predetermined unit operation amount, and the 2 step operation corresponds to a unit operation in which the dispensing operation unit 41 operates by the predetermined unit operation amount. In addition, the payout control CPU 300a starts measuring a predetermined payout waiting time in the process of step S302. Next, the payout control CPU 300a updates the number of operations stored in a predetermined memory area of the payout control RAM 300c by adding 1 (step S303). In this embodiment, the number of operations corresponds to the number of times the payout operation unit 41 is operated by 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). If the payout of game balls has not been detected (step S304: NO), the payout control CPU 300a determines whether or not the payout waiting time has elapsed (step S305). If the payout waiting time has not elapsed (step S305: NO), the payout control CPU 300a returns to the processing of step S304. As a result, the payout control CPU 300a operates the payout operation unit 41 for two steps, and then waits until it detects the payout of game balls or the payout waiting time has elapsed.

When the payout waiting time has elapsed (step S305: YES), the payout control CPU 300a determines whether the number of operations has reached 20 (step S306). As described above, in this embodiment, the payout operation unit 41 is configured to rotate once for every 20 steps. Therefore, when the number of operations of the two-step operation reaches 20, it corresponds to the payout operation unit 41 rotating twice. If the number of operations has not reached 20 (step S306: NO), the payout control CPU 300a returns to the processing of step S302. That is, if the payout control CPU 300a does not detect the payout of game balls within the payout waiting time after performing the two-step operation, it repeats the two-step operation until the payout operation unit 41 rotates twice.

On the other hand, if the number of operations has reached 20 (step S306: YES), the payout control CPU 300a stores an original position return process abnormality flag, which can identify that the original position return process has not ended normally, in a specified memory area of the payout control RAM 300c (step S307). The payout control CPU 300a then ends the original position return process. That is, in the original position return process of this embodiment, if the payout operation unit 41 rotates twice without a game ball being paid out, the payout control CPU 300a determines that the original position return process has not ended normally, sets the original position return process abnormality flag, and ends the original position return process.

In addition, if the payout of game balls is detected before the payout waiting time has elapsed (step S304: YES), the payout control CPU 300a determines whether the number of operations is an even number (a multiple of 2) or not (step S308). In step S308, the payout control CPU 300a determines whether the number of operations when the payout of game balls is detected is an even number or not, thereby being able to identify the current position of the payout operation unit 41 and also to identify the original position of the payout operation unit 41.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, in this embodiment, the possible positions of the dispensing operation unit 41 are determined according to the excitation state of the dispensing motor 44. Here, in the original position return process of this embodiment, in order to control the dispensing motor 44 to the first and second excitation states in step S301, the position of the dispensing operation unit 41 when step S301 is performed is one of the 0, 4, 8, 12, and 16 step positions. Then, in the original position return process, the two-step operation of the dispensing operation unit 41 is repeated by steps S302 to S306. Therefore, if the number of operations, which is the number of times the two-step operation is performed in the original position return process, is an even number, the position of the dispensing operation unit 41 is one of the 0, 4, 8, 12, and 16 step positions, and if the number of operations is an odd number, the position of the dispensing operation unit 41 is the 2, 6, 10, 14, and 18 step positions. As described above, in this embodiment, the position (payout position) of the payout operation section 41 when a game ball is paid out from the payout unit 40 is the 3-6 step position. Therefore, when the payout of a game ball is detected in the original position return process of this embodiment, the position of the payout operation section 41 at that time is the 4 step position when the number of operations is an even number, and the 6 step position when the number of operations is an odd number.

This allows the payout control CPU 300a to identify the current position of the payout operation unit 41. Also, as described above, the payout operation unit 41 in this embodiment is configured to rotate once in 20 step operations. Therefore, by identifying the current position of the payout operation unit 41, the payout control CPU 300a can identify the original position of the payout operation unit 41.

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

In this way, in the original position return process of this embodiment, the operation of the payout operation unit 41 changes depending on the timing when the game ball is detected by the payout sensor SE5. Specifically, in the original position return process, the amount of operation of the payout operation unit 41 changes depending on the timing when the game ball is detected by the payout sensor SE5. The amount of operation of the payout operation unit 41 differs depending on the number of two-step operations repeated before the game ball is detected by the payout sensor SE5 in the original position return process. In particular, in the original position return process, the amount of operation of the payout operation unit 41 thereafter differs depending on whether the number of two-step operations repeated before the game ball is detected by the payout sensor SE5 is an even number or an odd number.

When the processing of step S309 or step S310 is completed, the payout control CPU 300a clears the original position return processing abnormality flag (step S311). In step S311, the payout control CPU 300a performs processing to clear the original position return processing abnormality flag, regardless of whether the original position return processing abnormality flag is stored in a specified memory area of the payout control RAM 300c. Thereafter, the payout control CPU 300a ends the original position return processing.

As described above, in the original position return process of this embodiment, the payout operation unit 41 is returned to the original position after being operated to the payout position. That is, the original position return process of this embodiment corresponds to a specific control that controls the payout operation unit 41 to the payout position and then returns it to the original position. Then, in the original position return process 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 operates the payout operation unit 41 according to the number of operations when the game ball is paid out, thereby returning the payout operation unit 41 to the original position. Specifically, the payout control CPU 300a repeats steps S302 to S306 to pay out one game ball from the payout unit 40. That is, the payout unit 40 pays out one game ball by executing a payout operation in which the payout operation unit 41 rotates once in the rotation direction R1 from the original position and operates again to the original position. In addition, the payout control CPU 300a, by the judgment of step S308, determines the position of the payout operation unit 41 when the game ball is paid out, and determines the original position of the payout operation unit 41. Then, the payout control CPU 300a operates the payout operation unit 41 to the original position by steps S309 and S310.

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

In addition, in the original position return process of this embodiment, the control until the payout operation unit 41 first moves from the current position to the original position corresponds to the first stage control, and the control when the payout operation unit 41 moves again from the original position corresponds to the second stage control. In the original position return process of this embodiment, the second stage control ends when the payout operation unit 41 returns to the original position or when the two-step operation is repeated 20 times without detecting the payout of game balls.

Here, a specific example of the operation mode of the dispensing operation unit 41 when the original position return process is executed and its action will be described.
First, with reference to FIG. 15, a case will be described in which game balls are paid out from the payout unit 40 during the original position return process when the payout operation section 41 moves from the current position to the original position for the first time.

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 unit 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 in the 0 step position (original position). Thereafter, the payout control CPU 300a controls the payout motor 44 so that the payout operation unit 41 repeats the 2-step operation. In this example, it is assumed that the payout sensor SE5 detects a game ball when the number of operations of the 2-step operation in the original position return process becomes 2. 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 because the number of operations in the original position return process is an even number. Then, the payout control CPU 300a controls the payout motor 44 to operate the payout operation unit 41 16 steps, thereby returning the payout operation unit 41 to the original position (0 step position). The payout control CPU 300a then ends the original position return process.

As shown in FIG. 15(b), it is assumed that the game ball is detected by the payout sensor SE5 when the number of two-step operations in the original position return process reaches three. In this case, the payout control CPU 300a can determine that the current position of the payout operation unit 41 is the six-step position, since the number of operations in the original position return process is an odd number. The payout control CPU 300a then controls the payout motor 44 to operate the payout operation unit 41 14 steps, thereby returning the payout operation unit 41 to the original position (0-step position). The payout control CPU 300a then ends the original position return process.

In this way, in the original position return process of this embodiment, when a game ball is detected by the payout sensor SE5 during the time when the payout operation unit 41 moves from the current position to the original position for the first time, the original position return process ends when the payout operation unit 41 moves to the original position for the first time. In other words, the original position return process of this embodiment ends with the end of the first stage when a game ball is detected by the payout sensor SE5 during the first stage when the payout operation unit 41 moves from the current position to the original position for the first time.

Next, we will explain the case where, during the original position return process, no game balls are paid out from the payout unit 40 during the time when the payout operation unit 41 first moves from the current position to the original position, and then, a game ball is paid out from the payout unit 40 during the time when the payout operation unit 41 rotates again and moves to the original position.

As shown in FIG. 16, in this example, when the payout motor 44 is first controlled to the first and second excitation states, the payout operation unit 41 is assumed to be in the 12-step position. Thereafter, 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 operates to the original position (0-step position) when the number of operations of the two-step operation in the original position return process reaches four. However, at this time, no game balls are paid out from the payout unit 40, and the payout control CPU 300a, which has not input a detection signal from the payout sensor SE5, cannot identify the current position of the payout operation unit 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 operates to the original position. And in this example, it is assumed that the payout sensor SE5 detects a game ball when the number of operations of the two-step operation in the original position return process reaches six. In this case, the payout control CPU 300a can determine that the current position of the payout operation unit 41 is the 4-step position because the number of operations in the original position return process is an even number. The payout control CPU 300a then controls the payout motor 44 to operate the payout operation unit 41 16 steps, thereby returning the payout operation unit 41 to the original position (0-step position). The payout control CPU 300a then ends the original position return process.

In this way, in this embodiment, if a game ball is not paid out during the original position return process when the payout operation unit 41 moves from the current position to the original position for the first time, and then a game ball is paid out before the payout operation unit 41 rotates and moves to the original position again, the original position return process ends when the payout operation unit 41 moves to the original position for the second time.

Next, a case where no game ball is paid out from the payout unit 40 during the 20-step operation of the payout operation section 41 in the original position return process will be described.
As shown in FIG. 17, in this example, when the payout motor 44 is first controlled to the first and second excitation states, the payout operation unit 41 is assumed to be in the 0 step position. Thereafter, 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 payout sensor SE5 does not detect a game ball even when the number of two-step operations in the original position return process reaches 20. In this case, the payout control CPU 300a stores an original position return process abnormality flag in a predetermined storage area of the payout control RAM 300c. Thereafter, the payout control CPU 300a ends the original position return process.

In this way, in the original position return process of this embodiment, the operation of the payout operation unit 41 changes depending on whether or not a game ball is detected by the payout sensor SE5. In particular, in the original position return process, when a game ball is detected by the payout sensor SE5, the payout operation unit 41 is returned to the original position by operating the payout operation unit 41 by an amount of operation corresponding to the number of operations when the game ball is detected, while when a game ball is not detected by the payout sensor SE5, the two-step operation of the payout operation unit 41 is performed only 20 times. In other words, when a game ball is detected by the payout sensor SE5 in the original position return process, the payout operation unit 41 is returned to the original position, while when a game ball is not detected by the payout sensor SE5 in the original position return process, the payout operation unit 41 is operated by a predetermined amount of operation. That is, in the original position return process, the amount of operation of the payout operation unit 41 changes depending on whether or not a game ball is detected by the payout sensor SE5.

As described above, the original position return process of this embodiment ends when the payout sensor SE5 detects a game ball in the first stage from the current position to the first operation of the payout operation unit 41 to the original position, and then the payout operation unit 41 is operated to the original position. On the other hand, the original position return process of this embodiment ends when the payout sensor SE5 does not detect a game ball in the first stage, and ends when the second stage, which is performed after the first stage, ends. At this time, the control of the second stage ends when the payout sensor SE5 detects a game ball in the second stage, and ends when the payout operation unit 41 returns to the original position, and when the payout sensor SE5 does not detect a game ball in the second stage, ends when the payout operation unit 41 repeats the two-step operation 20 times. In this way, the original position return process of this embodiment is executed to include at least the first stage of a first stage in which the dispensing operation unit 41 moves from the current position to the original position, and a second stage in which the dispensing operation unit 41 moves again from the original position.

The operation and effects of this embodiment will be described.
(1) The original position return process ends with the end of the first stage when the payout operation unit 41 moves from the current position to the original position and the payout of a game ball is detected in the first stage. On the other hand, when the payout of a game ball is not detected in the first stage, the original position return process executes a second stage in which the payout operation unit 41 moves again from the original position after the first stage ends, and ends with the end of the second stage when the payout of a game ball is detected in the second stage. This makes it possible to prevent the original position return process from being a mixture of payout and non-payout, and therefore allows appropriate control over the payout of game balls.

(2) The start condition for the payout confirmation control is an original position return condition that is met when the original position return process is executed and then the detection waiting time has elapsed without detecting the payout of a game ball. Therefore, the payout control CPU 300a can execute the payout confirmation control when the payout of a game ball is not detected even in the second stage of the original position return process. Furthermore, the payout confirmation control can execute a payout error notification that can identify the occurrence of a payout error that prevents the game ball from being 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 section 41 rotates once from the original position in the rotation direction R1 and returns to the original position. In this way, at the end of one payout operation, the payout operation section 41 is located at the original position from which the next payout operation can be started. Therefore, when paying out multiple game balls, there is no need to perform a preparatory operation between one payout operation and the next payout operation, and the game balls can be paid out quickly.

(4) Since the payout operation unit 41 passes through a non-payout position different from the original position before moving from the original position to the payout position, even if the payout operation unit 41 moves from the original position by mistake, it is possible to prevent game balls from being immediately paid out. Furthermore, since the payout operation unit 41 does not rotate in the opposite direction to the rotation direction R1 in the payout operation, it is possible to prevent game balls from moving in the opposite direction and becoming jammed.

(5) When the payout operation unit 41 rotates in the rotation direction R1, the amount of movement of the payout operation unit 41 when it rotates from the original position to the payout position is smaller than the amount of movement when it rotates from the payout position to the original position. As a result, when game balls are paid out by the payout operation, the time from when the payout operation unit 41 starts to rotate in the rotation direction R1 to when the game balls are paid out can be shortened, so that the game balls can be paid out quickly.

(6) The start condition of the 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 payout of game balls continues thereafter. Then, in the payout confirmation control, a return to original position process is executed. Therefore, even when game balls are being paid out normally, when 100 or more game balls are paid out in succession, the payout operation unit 41 can be operated to its original position by executing a return to original position process in the payout confirmation control. Therefore, it is possible to prevent abnormalities from occurring in the payout operation unit 41 in advance.

(7) The start conditions for the return to original position process include a power-on payout condition that is satisfied when the first game ball is paid out after the pachinko gaming machine 10 is powered on. According to this, the return to original position process is executed when the payout condition is satisfied for the first time after the pachinko gaming machine 10 is powered on, so that it is possible to prevent a payout operation from being started while an abnormality has occurred in the payout unit 40 after the pachinko gaming machine 10 is powered on.

(8) The start conditions for the return to original position process include an initial payout condition that is met when the payout of new game balls is started after the payout of game balls has been stopped. According to this, when the payout of new game balls is started after the payout of game balls has been stopped, the return to original position process is executed, so that it is possible to prevent the payout operation from being started while an abnormality has occurred in the payout unit 40.

(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 gaming ball is detected during the original position return process. This makes it possible to appropriately return the payout operation section 41 to the original position even if there are multiple possible timings at which the gaming ball is detected during 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 gaming ball is detected during the original position return process. This makes it possible to appropriately return the payout operation section 41 to the original position even if there are multiple possible step positions for the payout operation section 41 when the gaming ball is detected during the original position return process.

(11) In the original position return process, the payout control CPU 300a controls the payout operation unit 41 so that one game ball is paid out, and identifies the current position and original position of the payout operation unit 41 based on the timing at which the game ball is paid out. The payout control CPU 300a then operates the payout operation unit 41 based on the identified results, thereby operating the payout operation unit 41 to its original position. In this way, the payout control CPU 300a can return the payout operation unit 41 to its original position even if it cannot identify the current position and original position of the payout operation unit 41.

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

(13) In particular, the payout control CPU 300a can operate the payout operation unit 41 by an appropriate amount depending on whether the number of two-step operations repeated until a gaming ball is detected in the original position return process is even or odd.

(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 operating mode depending on whether or not a game ball is detected during the original position return process, and therefore can appropriately control the payout of the game ball.

(15) 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 depending on whether or not a game ball is detected during the original position return process.

(16) In payout confirmation control, the control level progresses when a progress condition is met, and a payout error notification is executed based on the control level, so that a payout error notification can be executed appropriately according to the current game situation. Furthermore, because progress conditions are set for each control level, the progress of the control level can be controlled in more detail according to the game situation, and a payout error notification can be executed appropriately.

(17) In payout confirmation control, the more the control level progresses, the more difficult it becomes for the conditions for progressing to the next control level to be met. This makes it possible to prevent progression to the next control level without a sufficient payout error notification during the process of the control level progression. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately progress to the control level according to the game situation.

(18) In payout confirmation control, the control level can be advanced after the original position return process is executed a number of times set for each control level, which prevents the control level from progressing without sufficient original position return process. Therefore, the control level can be appropriately advanced according to the game situation.

(19) In payout confirmation control, a payout error notification is not made until control level "3" is reached, but a payout error notification can be made after control level "3" is reached. Therefore, compared to a case where a payout error notification is made upon the start of payout confirmation control, for example, it is possible to suppress annoyance to the player until control level "3" is reached, while making a payout error notification after control level "3" is reached to notify the player that a payout error has occurred.

(20) In payout confirmation control, various processes related to payout confirmation control can be executed without issuing a payout error notification between control level "0 (zero)" and control level "2". This makes it possible to specify in more detail the processes until control level "3" is reached while minimizing the inconvenience felt by the player until control level "3" is reached.

(21) In this embodiment, when a payout operation of a gaming ball is performed in normal payout control, even if a non-detection condition is met and payout confirmation control is started because a predetermined detection waiting time has elapsed without detecting the payout of a gaming ball after the payout operation, a payout error notification is not executed until the control level "3" is reached. Therefore, compared to, for example, when a payout error notification is executed immediately when a non-detection condition is met and payout confirmation control is started, it is possible to execute a payout error notification after accurately determining whether a payout error has occurred.

(22) The payout control CPU 300a can check whether a payout error has occurred each time a payout operation is performed, even when multiple game balls are paid out in succession, and therefore can more accurately check whether a payout error has occurred.

(23) Since there are multiple termination conditions for terminating the payout confirmation control, the timing for terminating the payout confirmation control can be controlled in more detail. Therefore, the payout confirmation control can be executed appropriately according to the game situation.

(24) Among the termination conditions of the payout confirmation control, the detection condition may be satisfied in the payout confirmation control, while the power interruption recovery condition and the release operation condition may be satisfied by a control different from the payout confirmation control. According to this, the termination condition may be satisfied as a result of the payout confirmation control and the payout confirmation control may be terminated, while even if the termination condition is not satisfied in the payout confirmation control, another termination condition may be satisfied and the payout confirmation control may be terminated. Therefore, the timing for terminating the payout confirmation control can be controlled in more detail according to the game situation.

(25) When the payout confirmation control detects the payout of game balls, the detection condition among the termination conditions is satisfied and the payout confirmation control ends. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the payout confirmation control from continuing even though the payout of game balls is being performed normally, which may cause annoyance to the player, such as a payout error notification continuing even though the payout of game balls is being performed normally.

(26) When the error release switch SW is operated, the payout confirmation control ends when the release operation condition among the termination conditions is met. Therefore, in this embodiment, for example, an administrator of the gaming machine can operate the error release switch SW to quickly end the payout confirmation control depending on the game situation.

(27) Since the termination conditions are determined for each control level, the timing for terminating the payout confirmation control can be controlled in more detail depending on the progress of the control level.
(28) In this embodiment, when the payout confirmation control reaches the control level "3", a payout error notification is executed, but the current control level is not notified. Therefore, for example, when a fraudulent act is committed, the payout error notification can be prevented from being executed, and the control level can be intentionally prevented from being adjusted.

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

(30) In this embodiment, in addition to the control level not being notified, even if the progression conditions are met and the control level progresses, the fact that the control level has progressed is not notified, making it even more difficult to guess the current control level.

(31) In the payout confirmation control, a return to original position process is performed. Therefore, even if the payout of game balls is not performed normally because the payout operation part 41 of the payout unit 40 is stopped at a position other than the original position, the payout error can be resolved by performing a return to original position process in the payout confirmation control to return the payout operation part 41 to the original position.

(32) The number of times the original position return process is executed is determined for each control level, so that the original position return process can be executed an appropriate number of times depending on the game situation.
(33) In particular, in this embodiment, the number of times the return to original position process is executed increases as the control level progresses, so that as the control level progresses, the return to original position process can be executed more frequently to attempt to resolve a dispensing error before progressing to the next control level.

(34) The time intervals for executing the original position return process multiple times are determined for each control level, so that the original position return process can be executed multiple times with appropriate time intervals depending on the game situation.

(35) In particular, in this embodiment, the time interval between multiple executions of the return to original position process becomes longer as the control level progresses, so that the more the control level progresses, the more likely it is that a dispensing error will be naturally resolved before progressing to the next control level.

This embodiment can be modified and implemented as follows.
The present embodiment and the following modified examples can be implemented in combination with each other to the extent that no technical contradiction occurs.

- In the original position return process, the maximum number of operations in which the payout operation unit 41 performs a two-step operation when the payout of the game ball is not detected may be changed as appropriate. For example, in step S306 of the original position return process, the payout control CPU 300a may end the operation of the payout operation unit 41 and store an original position return process abnormality flag when the total number of operations becomes a predetermined number greater than 20 times. In this case, the predetermined number may be a multiple of 10. According to this, if the position of the payout operation unit 41 when the original position return process is started is the original position, even if the payout sensor SE5 does not detect a game ball in the original position return process and the current position and original position of the payout operation unit 41 cannot be identified, the payout operation unit 41 will eventually return to the original position. In this case, in the second stage control, a series of operations from the original position to the payout position and then to the original position again will be executed multiple times. This allows the payout control CPU 300a to prevent the original position return process from terminating without returning the payout operation unit 41 to the original position due to the game ball not being paid out. In addition, in step S306 of the original position return process, the payout control CPU 300a may terminate the operation of the payout operation unit 41 and store an original position return process abnormality flag when the total number of operations reaches a predetermined number that is less than 20 times.

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 process. This can reduce the amount of operation 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 was paid out. In this case, the payout control CPU 300a may end the operation of the payout operation unit 41 in step S106 of the original position return process when the total number of operations reaches 40, and store an original position return process abnormality flag. Also, in this case, when a game ball is detected by the payout sensor SE5 in the original position return process, the payout control CPU 300a may specify the current position and original position of the payout operation unit 41 according to the total number of operations when the game ball was detected, and control the payout operation unit 41 to return to the specified original position. In this case, if the total number of operations when the game ball is detected is a multiple of 4, the payout control CPU 300a can specify that the current position of the payout operation unit 41 is a 4-step position. Also, if the total number of operations is 1 less than a multiple of 4, the payout control CPU 300a can specify the current position of the payout operation unit 41 as a 3-step position, if the total number of operations is 2 less than a multiple of 4, the 6-step position, and if the total number of operations is 3 less than a multiple of 4, the 5-step position. Also, for example, the payout control CPU 300a may control the payout operation unit 41 to perform a 4-step operation in step S102 of the original position return process. According to this, the payout operation unit 41 can be rotated once in the original position return process with a small number of operations, so that 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 may be different from the speed at which the payout operation unit 41 is operated in normal payout control. For example, the payout control CPU 300a may control the operation speed of the payout operation unit 41 to be slower in the original position return process compared to normal payout control. This allows the payout control CPU 300a to more accurately identify the timing at which the game balls are paid out in the original position return process, and therefore allows the payout operation unit 41 to be returned to the original position more accurately. Furthermore, the payout control CPU 300a may control the operation speed of the payout operation unit 41 to be faster in the original position return process compared to normal payout control. This allows the payout control CPU 300a to quickly execute the original position return process.

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, the amount of movement when the payout operation unit 41 moves from the original position to the payout position when rotated in the rotation direction R1 may be greater than the amount of movement when the payout position moves to the original position. That is, the payout position of the payout operation unit 41 may be a position after the position when rotated half a turn in the rotation direction R1 from the original position. According to this, the amount of movement until the payout operation unit 41 reaches the payout position when rotated in the rotation direction R1 from the original position can be increased, so that even if the payout operation unit 41 rotates in the rotation direction R1 by mistake, it is possible to suppress the payout of game balls. In addition, the amount of movement when the payout operation unit 41 moves from the original position to the payout position when rotated in the rotation direction R1 may be the same as the amount of movement when the payout operation unit 41 moves from the payout position to the original position. That is, the payout position of the payout operation unit 41 may be a position when rotated half a turn in the rotation direction R1 from the original position. This allows the amount of movement required to reach the payout position to be increased whether the payout operation unit 41 rotates from the original position in the rotation direction R1 or in the opposite direction to the rotation direction R1, so that even if the payout operation unit 41 rotates by mistake, it is possible to prevent game balls from being paid out.

- The payout control CPU 300a may be capable of rotating the payout operation unit 41 in the direction opposite to the rotation direction R1.
The amount of operation 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 rotating half a turn in the rotation direction R1.

- The present invention may be embodied in a pachinko gaming machine equipped with an original position sensor capable of identifying whether the payout operation unit 41 is located at the original position, or may be embodied in a pachinko gaming machine that does not have such an original position sensor. When embodied in a gaming machine equipped with an original position sensor, the payout control CPU 300a may control the payout operation unit 41 to be operated in the original position identified in the original position return process according to the timing at which the payout sensor SE5 detects the gaming ball, but when the payout operation unit 41 is not detected by the ... so as to store an original position return process abnormality flag. The present invention may also be embodied in a gaming machine that does not have an original position sensor capable of identifying whether the payout operation unit 41 is located at the original position.

- The start conditions for the return to original position process may be changed as appropriate. For example, the start conditions for the return to original position process may include an overdetection condition that is met when the payout sensor SE5 detects two or more game balls between the performance of one payout operation and the lapse of the detection waiting time. Also, some or all of the power-on payout condition and the initial payout condition may not be met. If all of the conditions are not met, the return to original position process will only be started when the start condition for the payout confirmation control is met.

- In the payout confirmation control, instead of or in addition to the original position return process, a payout operation to pay out one game ball may be executed. In other words, in the payout confirmation control, it is sufficient that an abnormality resolution process is executed to resolve a payout error, and the abnormality resolution process does not have to be an original position return process. In addition, in the payout confirmation control, it is not necessary to execute an abnormality resolution process.

- The control content in the payout confirmation control may be changed as appropriate. For example, the number of times the return to original position process is performed at each control level or the time interval may be changed. Also, the return to original position process may not be executed in the payout confirmation control. In this case, the payout confirmation control may stop normal payout control for a predetermined waiting time, and check whether the payout sensor SE5 has detected a game ball during that time to check whether the abnormality regarding the payout of the game ball has been naturally resolved.

- The start condition of the payout confirmation control may be changed as appropriate. For example, the start condition of the payout confirmation control may include an overdetection condition that is met when the payout sensor SE5 detects two or more game balls between the performance of one payout operation and the lapse of the detection waiting time. In addition, some of the non-detection condition, continuous payout condition, and return to original position condition may not be included. For example, the start condition of the payout confirmation control may be only the non-detection condition.

- When multiple game balls are paid out in succession, the payout control CPU 300a does not need to determine whether the non-detection condition is met each time a payout operation is performed. In this case, for example, the payout control CPU 300a may determine whether the non-detection condition is met each time a predetermined number of payout operations are performed, or may determine whether the non-detection condition is met in the first or last payout operation of multiple consecutive payout operations.

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

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

- Regardless of the control level in the payout confirmation control, a payout error notification may be executed. In other words, the payout control CPU 300a may control the payout error notification to be executed upon the start of the payout confirmation control.

- The number of times the original position return process is performed at each control level may be changed as appropriate. For example, the number of times the original position return process is performed may be the same at each control level, or may decrease as the control level progresses.

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

- The conditions for progressing to each control level may be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, the conditions for progressing to each control level do not have to be configured so that the conditions become more difficult to achieve as the control level progresses, but may be configured so that the conditions become more easily achieved as the control level progresses, for example.

- There may be multiple conditions for progressing to each control level. In other words, in the payout confirmation control, the control level may be configured to progress when at least one of the multiple conditions is met.

- The termination condition of the dispensing confirmation control may be changed as appropriate. For example, it may have a termination condition different from the detection condition, power restoration condition, and release operation condition, or it may not have some of the detection condition, power restoration condition, and release operation condition. For example, the termination condition of the dispensing confirmation control may be the detection condition only.

- The termination condition for the dispensing confirmation control may be the same regardless of the current control level.
The control of the payout control CPU 300a may be changed when either the power return condition or the release operation condition is satisfied. For example, when either the power return condition or the release operation condition is satisfied, 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 release operation condition is satisfied, the payout error notification can be terminated, while the payout confirmation control can be continued until the abnormality regarding the payout of the game balls is resolved. In this case, the power return condition and the release operation condition can be understood as initialization conditions that initialize the control level in the payout confirmation control, rather than termination conditions that terminate the payout confirmation control.

- The pachinko gaming machine 10 may be configured to be able to notify the current control level in the payout confirmation control. In this case, the payout control CPU 300a outputs a control command capable of identifying the current control level to the sub-control CPU 200a via the main control CPU 100a. The sub-control CPU 200a may then control a predetermined notification means to notify the current control level based on the input control command.

- The pachinko gaming machine 10 may be configured to be able to notify that the control level has progressed in the payout confirmation control. In this case, the payout control CPU 300a, upon the advancement of the control level, outputs a control command capable of identifying that the control level has progressed to the sub-control CPU 200a via the main control CPU 100a. The sub-control CPU 200a may then control a predetermined notification means to notify that the control level has progressed based on the input control command.

- The pachinko gaming machine 10 may be configured to be able to notify the progress conditions when progressing from the current control level to the next control level in the payout confirmation control. In this case, the payout control CPU 300a outputs a control command capable of identifying the progress conditions when progressing from the current control level to the next control level to the sub-control CPU 200a via the main control CPU 100a. The sub-control CPU 200a may then control a predetermined notification means to notify the 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 section 41 may be configured to be capable of performing a payout operation of paying out game balls by changing its posture, or may be configured to be capable of performing a payout operation of paying out game balls by changing its position, or may be configured to be capable of performing a payout operation of paying out game balls by changing both its posture and its position.

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

- The payout sensor SE5 may be configured to output a detection signal to the main control CPU 100a when it detects a game ball. In this case, the main control CPU 100a may generate a control command indicating that a detection signal has been input from the payout sensor SE5 and output 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 may generate a control command indicating that an operation signal has been input from the error release switch SW and output it to the payout control CPU 300a.

- The notification means for executing the payout error notification may be changed as appropriate. For example, a notification means electrically connected to the payout control CPU 300a may be provided, and the payout error notification may be executed by the notification means. In this case, the payout control CPU 300a does not need to generate a payout error command that can identify that a payout error has occurred. In addition, the notification means for executing the payout error notification may be a dedicated notification means for executing the payout error notification, or may be used in combination with an execution means for executing notifications or effects different from the payout error notification.

- As a control for gradually progressing the control level, a control different from the payout confirmation control may be provided. In this case, as a control for gradually progressing the control level, for example, a detection control for detecting a game ball performed by the main control CPU 100a may be adopted. The detection control for detecting a game ball is, for example, a control for detecting a game ball that has entered a predetermined winning port. In this case, in the detection control, various processes may be executed based on the control level, and for example, a notification regarding the detection of a game ball may be executed based on the control level. In this case, the notification regarding the detection of a game ball may be, for example, a winning notification indicating that a game ball has entered a winning port. In addition, the notification regarding the detection of a game ball may be an illegal winning error notification indicating that a game ball has entered a winning port that is controlled to be in a closed state.

・The present invention may be embodied in a gaming machine capable of executing an original position return process for returning an operating means other than the payout operating unit 41 to the original position. For example, the operating means may be an open state in which a game ball can enter the large prize opening 24, and a special variable member 25 in which a game ball cannot enter the large prize 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 that has entered the large prize opening 24 corresponds to the detection means. In a big win game, the main control CPU 100a starts a round game by controlling the special variable member 25 from a closed state to an 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 a closed state when the number of game balls that have entered the large prize opening 24 in a round game reaches the upper limit. Therefore, in the control for awarding one round of play, the operation of the special variable member 25 changes depending on the timing at which the count sensor SE3 detects a game ball during that round of play. Also, if the number of game balls entering the large prize opening 24 during a round of play does not reach the upper limit, the main control CPU 100a controls the special variable member 25 to a closed state when the upper limit time has elapsed since the start of the round of play. Therefore, in the control for awarding one round of play, the operation of the special variable member 25 changes depending on whether or not the count sensor SE3 detects a game ball during that round of play.

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 a first special symbol changing game for deriving a first special symbol and a second special symbol changing game for deriving a second special symbol as special games. In this case, the first special symbol changing game may be executed upon the entry of a gaming ball into the first start winning hole 21, and the second special symbol changing game may be executed upon the entry of a gaming ball into the second start winning hole 22. The first special symbol changing game and the second special symbol changing game may be executed in the order of reservation, or may be executed alternately.

The functions of the main control board 100 may be divided and realized among multiple boards.
The functions of the sub-control board 200 may be realized by dividing them into multiple boards. For example, the pachinko game machine 10 may be provided with a display board that specializes in controlling the performance display device EH, an audio board that specializes in controlling the speaker SP, and a lamp board that specializes in controlling the decorative lamps LA, and may further be provided with a master board that comprehensively controls these boards.

- The functions of the payout control CPU 300a may be realized by dividing them into multiple boards.
The present invention may be embodied in a slot machine as a gaming machine. In a slot machine, multiple reels rotate in response to the operation of a start lever (start operation). In addition, in a slot machine, the rotation of one of the multiple reels corresponding to the operated stop button stops in response to the operation of a stop button (stop operation). In such a slot machine, the payout condition of medals as gaming media is established when the multiple reels stop at a specific position. In such a slot machine, an original position return process may be executed as a control for returning an operating unit that operates when paying out medals to an original position, and a payout confirmation control in which the control level progresses in stages may be executed as a detection control for detecting medals.

The technical ideas that can be understood from the above-described embodiment and modified examples will be described.
(i) The start condition for the return to original position control includes a continuous payout condition that is met when the number of game media consecutively paid out reaches a specific number and when the payout of game media continues after the specific number of game media has been paid out.

(b) The payout control means is configured to execute a predetermined payout control when a payout condition is satisfied, and the start condition for the original position return control is a power-on payout condition that is satisfied when the payout condition is satisfied for the first time after the gaming machine is powered on.

(c) A storage means is provided for storing payout information that can identify the number of gaming media to be paid out, and the payout control means updates the payout information when a payout condition is met and executes a predetermined payout control based on the payout information, and the start condition for the original position return control is an initial payout condition that is met when the number of gaming media that can be identified from the payout information is 0 and the payout condition is met.

(ii) A game machine comprising a payout mechanism for paying out game media, a payout detection means for detecting the game media paid out by the payout mechanism, and a payout control means for controlling the payout mechanism, the payout mechanism having an operating unit that operates when paying out game media, and the game media is paid out by operating the operating unit to a payout position, the payout control means being capable of executing original position return control for returning the operating unit to its original position, the original position return control being executed including at least the first stage of a first stage in which the operating unit operates from its current position to its original position, and a second stage in which the operating unit operates again from the original position, and when the game media is detected by the payout detection means in the first stage, the original position return control is terminated with the end of the first stage, In the first stage, when the game medium is not detected by the payout detection means, the control ends with the end of the second stage that is performed after the end of the first stage, and the original position return control is a control that involves the payout of the game medium, and the operation of the operation unit changes depending on the timing at which the game medium is detected by the payout detection means during the original position return control, and when the game medium is not detected in the second stage, the original position return control ends when the operation unit repeats a unit operation of a predetermined unit operation amount a specific number of times, and the specific number of times is the number of times that the operation unit moves to the same position as the position at the start of the original position return control, and is the number of times that the operation unit rotates twice.

EH...performance display device (alarm means), LA...decorative lamp (alarm means), R1...rotation direction (specific rotation direction), SE5...payout sensor (payout detection means), SP...speaker (alarm means), 40...payout unit (payout mechanism), 41...payout operation section (operation section), 44...payout motor (drive means), 300...payout control board, 300a...payout control CPU (payout control means), 300c...payout control RAM (storage means).

Claims (1)

In a gaming machine in which a game is played using a gaming ball as a gaming medium,
A control means for performing a predetermined control;
an operating means for taking a first state in which the game ball can pass through a specific passage and a second state in which the game ball cannot pass through the specific passage;
A detection means for detecting a game ball that has passed through the specific passage,
The operating means is always controlled to be in the second state,
the control means is capable of executing a specific control for controlling the operation means to be in the first state and then returning the operation means to the second state,
The specific control can be executed multiple times,
The operation mode of the operation means in the entire specific control differs between when the number of unit actions repeated until a game ball is detected in the specific control is a first number and when the number of unit actions repeated is a second number,
The start conditions for the specific control include a first start condition that is established when the power to the gaming machine is turned on, and a second start condition that is established when a payout condition for a gaming ball is established.